Resident says taxes are forcing some people to leave Manalapan

I have sent Manalapan Mayor Andrew Lucas and Township Committeeman Anthony Gennaro the following letter.

I read in the June 20 issue of the News Transcript an article by Kathy Baratta concerning the Manalapan budget ("Officials Taking Another Look at Town Budget"). There are a lot of numbers. Some would say confusing. Allow me to simplify.

The Manalapan tax rate in 1993 was $2.519 per $100 of assessed valuation. In 2006, the rate was $3.694. This represents a 47 percent increase over the 13 preceding years. At the same time, the CPI in the Northeast went up 43 percent. This tracks well. However, it does not account for the ever-increasing number of new residences during that intervening period, all adding to the total tax revenue. And yet we fall behind, having to replenish the surplus - at a time when the tax rate increases had nearly doubled the CPI increases, between 2001 and 2004.

Where does the money go? Why does it have to go? Where is the fiscal discipline?

Within Ms. Baratta's article, it is reported that Manalapan's worth, through revaluation, went from $2.5 billion in 2006 to $6.1 billion in 2007. This is nearly a 2.5-fold increase. Naturally, the cumulative tax rate should have a 2.5-fold decrease for constant revenue - that would be $1.48. We'll see when the tax bill arrives.

For the local tax rate, in the example provided, based on averages, the author cited a 2006 rate of 47.4 cents per $100 of assessed valuation and a 2007 rate of 24.6 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. No constant revenue here. Growing revenue. The tax rate decreases by less than a factor of 2.

At a time when the housing market is flattening, home values decreasing, economy slowing, Manalapan proposes to increase tax revenue 28 percent, from $11.9 million to $15.2 million. Regrettably, you are getting a growing portion of those funds from me.

In your haste to spend, you negatively impact those who have made Manalapan what it is. Forcing some to leave, changing the spirit of the town, bringing transience.

Interestingly, Ms. Baratta had another article discussing Manalapan's decreasing summer recreation program participation levels. Coincidence? Those who can afford Manalapan's tax rate can also afford other forms of summer entertainment.

Look to the horizon. What are you looking for and what will you find? Some may call this prosperity, but at what cost?

Mark Bernard

Manalapan