Medford Township Council wants to provide residents with an opportunity to modify the annual tax levy on the township’s open space.
The ordinance, introduced for first reading during the April 2 township council meeting, would give voters the option of lowering the current rate of three cents to a rate of one to three cents per $100 of assessed value.
According to Councilman James “Randy” Pace, the ordinance gives the township flexibility with the tax.
“If the rate is at three cents right now, and we’re not spending three cents, instead of collecting that amount, we would lower the rate,” Pace said.
If a “legitimate need” arises, according to Pace, the council would have the ability to readjust the rate.
According to Deputy Mayor Chris Buoni, the township is utilizing the tax to pay down debt.
“Ideally, I’d like to lower it a little bit and pay down our debt,” Buoni said.
The open space tax levy is utilized for open space, recreation, farmland and historic preservation. A public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for May 7.
The next township council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 16 at the Public Safety Building, 91 Union St. at 7:30
p.m.
