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Politics & Government

Referendum on Open Space Tax to Go on November Ballot

The current special purpose levy expires Dec. 31.

The Board of Commissioners has authorized a referendum for the Nov. 8 general election, asking voters to approve a second five-year open space tax levy.

The current levy will expire Dec. 31.

As adopted Tuesday, the referendum would tax property owners no more than 2¢ for each $100 of assessed valuation. Money raised by the levy would be used only to purchase, develop, and maintain land for recreation, parks, and open space, or for historic preservation.

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The additional taxation would add $98.27 per year to properties with an average residential assessment of $491,359.

Borough administrator Sharon McCullough said the special purpose levy would generate between $110,000 and $113,000 each year. By the end of this year, she said, the tax will have raised $525,000. None of that money has been spent, she said.

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According to an informational statement that will be included with the referendum, the fund would allow Haddonfield to apply for additional New Jersey Green Acres Program grants. It would mean the borough could ask the state to cover 50 percent of the purchase price of land set aside for open space or historic preservation.

About 200 municipalities have approved Open Space Trust Funds.

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