VOTE Tuesday, November 3, 2026

One Ballot Question | Estimated Net Tax Increase: $4 per Month* 

$12.7 million in improvements - If voters approve, the State would cover a portion of the eligible project costs, which for Ocean Township is estimated at approximately $4.3 million 

*Estimated tax impact is calculated using Waretown’s average home assessment of $466,994.

Debt payments from a previous investment in the schools will be paid off in 2027. If voters approve the November referendum, the new payments would pick up where the previous payments leave off, resulting in a $4/month estimated net tax increase for a home assessed at the Waretown average. With voter approval, this timing would allow us to make $12.7 million in necessary repairs to our schools while keeping the tax rate steadier over time.  

A bond referendum is part of the Ocean Township Board of Education’s financial strategy to:  

• Keep the tax rate steady by replacing debt from a previous referendum with this new debt.  

• Spread payments for critical facilities improvements over time, similar to how a homeowner uses a home equity loan to replace a large-ticket item like a roof or new heating and cooling system.  

• The cost is spread among all residents who live in Waretown during the 20-year term of the bond.

• Gain upfront funding to complete projects all at once; these projects simply do not fit within the annual budget that is focused on our educational programming.

• Secure state aid of $4.3 million toward the project costs to reduce the tax impact.

Every project that the Board of Education selected would receive the maximum amount of state aid, if voters approve. The district can only receive $4.3 million to offset the tax impact with voter approval.  

This specific type of state aid is funded by every New Jersey taxpayer, but only communities that approve a bond referendum can secure this funding to improve school facilities. This is a chance for Ocean Township to receive a share of this funding.

Eligible seniors can apply for three property tax relief programs – ANCHOR, Senior Tax Freeze and Stay NJ – by filling out a single form. The Senior Freeze program reimburses homeowners for the amount of a property tax increase related to a referendum or for any other reason.  

Eligibility criteria for 2026 vary for each program.   

Fill out the application HERE.   

For more information or questions about filling out the form, call the Property Tax Relief Customer Service Center at 1-888-238-1233.

Local help is available!

The Ocean County Office of Senior Services has  mobile unit to bring information, resources and support to Waretown on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 15, Sept. 22 and Sept. 29.

Visit the Engel Sprague Senior Center at 239 11th St. in Waretown to learn about available services and supports.

For more information, please call the Office of Senior Services at (732) 929-2091.