Hardyston unveils 2019 budget

HARDYSTON — The Hardyston Township Council introduced the 2019 municipal budget on Wednesday, March 27 and has scheduled a public hearing for April.
Township Manager Marianne Smith said schools have been seeing funding cuts.
Council members reminded the public, especially seniors, to make sure they apply for the Senior Freeze Tax Program. The Senior Freeze Property Tax Reimbursement program reimburses eligible New Jersey residents who are senior citizens or disabled persons for property tax increases on their principal residence. In other words, Smith explained that eligible seniors would obtain a base tax the year they qualified and even though their taxes may go up, the state would refund the difference between the base and the current year taxes.
Smith also mentioned the homestead rebate.
Councilman Santo Verrilli also added there is a veteran’s deduction.
“Two hundred fifty dollars is not nearly enough for our veterans, but it is something," he said. Information about these programs can be found on the township website.
Council members approved an ordinance for the annual Fire Department coin toss. The dates are May 26 and 27 and July 6 and 7 with rain dates in September and October, respectfully.
Council members proclaimed April as “Child Abuse Prevention Month.” Smith added, “We need to rid this out of our society.”