Upper Saddle River – Hands Up If You Want More Taxes

Upper Saddle River residents need to know that there is a tax increase being considered. In a town (and state)  where taxes are a constant source of discussion and property prices have dropped considerably in recent years, with no similar drop in property tax,  the Mayor and Council are proposing an increase for an open space trust fund for the creation for athletic fields.

Slipping it into the M&C meeting or August 6, 2020 when most people likely weren’t paying attention the issue will be on the ballot in the November election. Read about it here.

The September/October Bulletin has the following message from Mayor Minichetti on the subject:

Dear Neighbors,

In the General Election on November 3rd, voters will have an oppor- tunity to cast their vote for local, state and federal level candidates, including the President of the United States. This is an important right and duty for all U.S. citizens age 18 and above. Upper Saddle River voters will also be asked to vote on a municipal question concerning Open Space funding.

By definition, a Municipal Open Space Fund is to be used for the acquisition, development, maintenance and preservation of lands for recreational use. The fund can also be used for the acquisition and maintenance of farmland and historic properties for preservation purposes. For example, the Borough-owned land at the corner of West Saddle River Road and Lake Street and nine acres at One Lake Street were designated as open space. This protects the land from development.

USR’s local Open Space Fund has allowed projects in the past such as the creation of Liberty Park, the community sign at the corner of Lake Street and West Saddle River Road, the resurfacing of the tennis courts, and improvements at Lions Park such as flood mitigation including a drainage system and a gabion wall, street lighting, an additional field and the walking/running path. Improvements such as these are enjoyed by residents of all ages and, along with our great schools, are often what buyers are looking for when they purchase a home.

The question, as it appears on the ballot, asks residents to approve an annual tax rate at the rate of $0.01 per $100 of assessed value, equal to $75.00 for the average property assessed at $750,000.00. The fund is used to provide monies to maintain and improve our recreational facilities as well as match grants the Borough receives from the County of Bergen. Each USR taxpayer sends Open Space funds to the County, which supports parks such as Van Saun and Overpeck. In addition, each municipality can apply for an Open Space grant, and if approved, must match it. For instance, we received a $140,000 Open Space award from the county for Hess Park a few years ago to refurbish the playground, bathrooms and install ADA compliant features. We were able to match the grant from our local Open Space monies. We received similar grants for improvements at Lions Park.

We did receive a $1.6 million Open Space Grant for the purchase of the nine acres at One Lake Street. That particular grant did not require a match. But many other Open Space grants do. As you can see, if we do not have local funding, it becomes difficult to accept Open Space grants that require matching funds. In addition, having a local Open Space Fund elevates a municipality’s score when applying for grants.

When casting your vote in the General Election, please remember to voice your opinion on the Open Space Question. This is up to the voters and the Governing Body wishes to hear from as many as possible.

And reminding you how lucky you are to be living in Upper Saddle River with such low taxes, from the Upper Saddle River Republican party:

Did you know USR boasts the 7th lowest municipal tax rate in the county, out of 70 towns? And that we have had an average increase of just 1.5% over the last ten years?

Only 15% of the tax payments you make is controlled and spent by the mayor and council.

The remainder is controlled and spent by the K-8 and Northern Highlands Boards of Education, the County of Bergen and the USR Library.