Mayor Moench Calls for Somerset County to Provide Relief to Bridgewater

Bridgewater, NJ – Last Friday, May 1st, Mayor Matthew Moench sent a letter to the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders asking them to share in the pain of an anticipated decrease in Municipal tax revenue collection. Municipal governments, like Bridgewater, serve as the collector of property taxes but, by law, must pay the School District and County first before retaining any monies to pay Township expenses. This year, approximately 68% of properly tax revenues will go to the School District and 19% goes to Somerset County, leaving around 11% for Bridgewater Township.

“After speaking with representatives with the School District, they have agreed to give us relief on those mandatory payments by lessening the amount due this month. They are willing to be an open and cooperative partner with the Township during this difficult time and our hope is that our County Government will mirror that spirit of cooperation,” said Mayor Matthew Moench in the letter.

Mayor Moench’s letter continued, “I am asking that you (Somerset County) partner with us in providing tax relief to our residents in need by agreeing to pay the proportional share of any borrowing costs the Township incurs if it waives late fees for property taxes and can then not make our required payments to the County or to agree to accept a reduced payment in proportion with the property taxes we collect. Your cooperation will allow us to make sure that the County still receives its payments as required by law and our residents who are facing financial hardship do not get further burdened.”

“I understand that all levels of Government are seeing shortfalls in revenue, but that only serves to underscore the importance of us all working together for the benefit of our taxpayers. We’re still waiting to hear Somerset County’s response to this request, and with families at risk of incurring additional costs at a time where they can least afford it, I am hopeful that the County will agree to work with us during these unprecedented times. For our residents, the clock is ticking,” said Mayor Moench today.