The Property Tax Problem
Gloucester Township residents are facing tough times. Property taxes have soared 92% since the current mayor took office in 2010, and rising township debt is eating into our budget with costly debt payments. Too many families and small businesses are struggling to stay afloat and keep their homes. Just like you manage your household budget, Gloucester Township’s government needs to show discipline and spend wisely. Here’s our practical, six-step plan to rein in spending, cut property taxes, and make life here more affordable.
Our 6-Point Plan to Reduce Property Taxes
Question Every Dollar with Cost-Benefit Reviews
Some township spending is required, but a lot is optional. We’ll demand a public “cost-benefit analysis” for every discretionary project, showing why it’s worth it and why it can’t wait. Today, too many expenses get a free pass without real scrutiny. Our team will dig in, asking: “Do we need this? Is it a good deal? Can it be delayed?” After years of studying the budget, we’ve found plenty of easy cuts—spending that doesn’t deliver for Gloucester Township.
Boost Competition for Township Contracts
The current contract bidding process can seem too narrow, often favoring a select few companies. We’ll open it up, inviting more businesses to compete fairly for township work. A wider, more transparent bidding system means lower costs for taxpayers.
Close the “Cap Banking” Loophole
New Jersey limits property tax hikes to 2% yearly, but loopholes let them climb higher. One tactic, “Cap Banking,” has been used here time and again to push taxes well above that limit. We’ll propose a resolution to stop relying on this workaround and keep increases under control.
Limit Tax Abatements to Where They’re Needed
Right now, every new business in Gloucester Township gets a tax break. We’ll rethink this, focusing abatements only on struggling, blighted areas to lighten the load on everyone else’s property taxes.
Hold Leaders Accountable for Promised Savings
The township often spends on projects with big promises of future savings—promises that rarely come true. We’ll say no to these vague plans unless a specific manager is assigned to track and report the results, ensuring taxpayers actually see the benefits.
Start Fresh with a Zero-Based Budget
Too often, the budget just tacks on a few percent each year without a hard look at what’s necessary. We’ll introduce a “zero-based budget” every few years—building it from scratch to justify every dollar. This deeper review will spot outdated programs and spending that no longer serves Gloucester Township.
