HomeMy Public PortalAboutr 03:158No. ~ Date of Adoplio~ lqav 8. 2003
ENDORSING COUNTY-WIDE BALLOT QUESTION TO ADDRESS
PROPERTY TAX REFORM
WlqEREAS, the New Jersey State Legislature has failed to approve the
convening of a State Constitutional Convention to address property tax reform;
and
WHEREAS, the Borough Council has determined that a non-binding,
county-wide referendum question as set forth below would be an appropriate
mechanism to obtain public input on the need to convene a Constitutional
Convention solely for the purpose of addressing much needed property tax
reform.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council
of the Borough of Carteret, County of Middlesex, and State of New Jersey, as
follows:
1. That the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders
take the appropriate action to have printed upon the official ballot
to be used at the next ensuing General Election the following
question and interpretive statement, or one similar thereto, on a
county-wide basis.
Question:
Do you favor the holding of a State Constitutional Convention solely for
the purpose of addressing property tax reform which if ultimately proved by the
Legislature could amend the New Jersey Constitution and revise the existing
property tax system? A Constitutional Convention for property tax reform would
be revenue neutral in overall impact attempting to eliminate inequities in the
current system of property taxation, ensure greater uniformity in the application of
property taxes, reduce property taxes as the primary share of overall public
revenue, provide alternatives which lessen the dependence of Local Governments,
Boards of Education and Counties on property taxes and provide an alternative
means, including possible increases in other taxes for funding these services.
Interpretive Statement:
A vote "yes" on this non-binding referendum would encourage the State
Legislature to approve the holding of a State Constitutional Convention. The
Convention would be responsible for proposing amendments to the State
Constitution and revisions to the Statutes, which, while revenue neutral in their
overall impact intending to make the current system of taxation fairer, reduce
property taxes as a percentage of public revenue, lessen government dependence
of property, and provide alternative means, including possible increases other
NO.03-158 PAGE 2
taxes, of funding government services. Any proposals made would ultimately be
submitted to the voters of our State for overall approval at a General Election.
A vote of "no" would not favor a Constitutional Convention to address
property tax reform so that other options might be considered for funding
government services.
2. That a copy of this Resolution be forwarded to the
Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the other
municipalities comprising Middlesex Coumy.
Adopted this 8th day of May, 2003
and certified as a true copy of the
original on May 8, 2003.
KATHLEEN M. BARNEY, RMC/CMC
Municipal Clerk
RECORD OF COUNCIL VOTE
COUNCILMANKRUM v!sl NO Nv- A'B' RIOS COUNCILMAN ;ES NIN() NV A.
NAPLES X{IIl SITARZ _ X
PAR S_. SOSNOWSKZ
X - Indicate Vote AB - Absent NV - No[ Voting XOR - Indicates Vote to Overrule Vet(}
Adopted at a meeting of the Municipal Council
MAY 8, 2003
CLERK