The Alternative Press

BYRAM TOWNSHIP, NJ --- Tax increases were a major concern among the citizens and council of Byram Township this past Tuesday, October 2.

Citizen Merel Albrecht approached the council with concern and statistics to implement her grief.

Prior to this meeting, Albrecht had attended a public meeting involving a tax assessor for the town, and the county tax board president.

“After passing the hand outs, the assessor had announced that we aren’t going to like what we hear,” said Albrecht.

"“In average, 3,141 homes in 45 sections of the town had an average decrease of 17 percent meaning a two dollar decrease, Albrecht continued. That is a $6,400 dollar deficit and 155 homes were increased by $1550. 155 homes are kicking in $244,000. We can’t afford this to be our base lines. Land values went down an average of $25,000. There must be relief that can be afforded. This is money that the town should not be spending. We‘re looking for help to get through this, we need some sort of relief.”

“The county board has accepted an appeal process and that is really the avenue you need to take,” replied Joseph Sabatini, Township Administrator. “To raise taxes on the other 3000 something homes, is going to remain a burden as well.”

“We are converted cottages at Cranberry Lake, we are not big houses with garages,” stated Albrecht.

Albrecht’s husband George then approached the council and said, “We are concerned about the increase. I took a boat out the other night and I surprised myself of the people who are on fixed incomes. These are single moms and single dads with kids in college. This is not right. Not a hit like this. This is a heartache for some.

Sabatini stated that the county ordered the town do the assessment.

Thomas Collins, township attorney, stated to the public that, “It was increased 115 percent to make sure the township was brought to true market.”

In other business:

Sabatini addressed the council and public on a quick update on Route 206.

“We confirmed that the final completion date is July 13, 2013 and we will be working on the South bound side at the end of this year. Verizon will now have additional work and we have to lower a telephone line about six feet. The DPW (Department of Public Works) garage had told us we have time to complete the work,” said Sabatini.

Councilman Carlos Luaces recently attended a Board of Health meeting, where they discussed cat licensing, concerns about septic systems, and Wild West City water issues.

Luaces also had the opportunity to meet Pat Buchannan, the last man standing from the Richard Nixon trial, at a previous engagement.

Councilwoman Nisha Kash had attended a Board of Education meeting on September 19.

“They are putting solar panels at the school. The county funded everything,” stated Kash.