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STATE AID & FUNDING
We listened to the community’s feedback and pared back the proposal. The Scotch Plains and Fanwood communities now have another opportunity to consider a plan that still could address our space issues and secure La Grande School as a community asset for the future.
We cut the proposal by more than half – while still maintaining $11.4 in state aid if the referendum is approved.
We also will hold a budget vote on the same day to allow the community to consider a $1.1 million annual investment for the operating costs of the La Grande Building in the future.
State aid only through voter approval
A bond referendum allows the district to generate the funds needed for upgrades and the purchase of La Grande – with the added benefit of $11.4 million in state aid to offset the local tax impact. That’s 26% of the total costs that would be covered by the state through aid that is collected from all New Jersey taxpayers and only made available to districts that have voter approval of a referendum.
Question 1
$44.8 million in improvements – state aid covers $11.4 million
Voter approval of Question 1 means that the owner of a home assessed at Scotch Plains’ average of $126,191 would pay an estimated $15 per month and the owner of a home assessed at Fanwood’s average of $469,385 would pay an estimated $13 per month.
Visit njpropertyrecord.com to find your assessed value.
Question 2
$1.1 million annual budget for the La Grande Building salaries, benefits, etc.
Voter approval of Question 2 means that the owner of a home assessed at Scotch Plains’ average of $126,191 would pay an estimated $9 per month and the owner of a home assessed at Fanwood’s average of $469,385 would pay an estimated $8 per month. This would be a permanent increase of 1.14% to support La Grande in the future.
Tax relief for seniors
Tax relief for seniors
The State of New Jersey has a current program for property tax relief and a new version in development.
Known as the "Senior Freeze," the current program offers property tax reimbursements for senior citizens and people with disabilities who qualify. More information is available on the Senior Freeze webpage or by calling (800) 882-6597.
A second plan in development is called the Stay NJ Property Tax Credit Program. The plan has a program start date of Jan. 1, 2026. Other current programs are the NJ $250 Senior Citizen Property Tax Deduction and the Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR).
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