Residents Furious as Downe Township Officials Mislead About Tax Hikes for Unused Sewer System

Residents of Newport and Dividing Creek are growing increasingly frustrated as they discover that their property taxes are set to rise to fund Downe Township’s $33 million sewer project—a system that they will never be able to use. Despite this, township officials continue to mislead these residents, continuing to assure them that taxes will not increase — a claim that appears to contradict the ordinance language.

The controversial sewer project, which is aimed at improving infrastructure in areas like Fortescue and Gandy’s Beach, has sparked significant backlash from the communities of Newport and Dividing Creek. These residents will not be connected to the new system but are being told by township officials that they will not see any tax hikes to cover the costs of the project.

However, the truth lies in the Downe Township Sewer Utility Bond Ordinance, which clearly outlines how the township plans to finance the project. According to Section 13 of the 2024-08 ordinance, the township is legally obligated to levy ad valorem taxes on all taxable properties within the township to cover the debt incurred from the sewer project, including the principal and interest.

Section 13 reads:

“The full faith and credit of the Township are hereby pledged to the punctual payment of the principal and interest on the said obligations authorized by this Bond Ordinance. Said obligations shall be direct, unlimited obligations of the Township, and the Township shall be obligated to levy ad valorem taxes upon all of the taxable property within the Township for the payment of said obligations and interest thereon without limitation of rate or amount.”

In plain terms, this means all residents, including those in Newport and Dividing Creek, will see their property taxes increase, regardless of whether or not they will benefit from the new sewer system. Yet, in the face of this reality, township officials continue to tell residents that their taxes will not be affected.

This potentially misleading statement has left many residents feeling betrayed. Officials are not only ignoring the legal provisions that will raise taxes but are also misleading the public about the financial impact of the project. The taxes will not just be confined to those benefiting from the system but will be levied across all taxable properties in the township, including those in Newport and Dividing Creek who are not being connected to the sewer system.

Residents of these communities are rightfully angry. They are being forced to shoulder the financial burden of a project that will not improve their own living conditions, all while being misinformed by the very officials they elected to represent their best interests.

As the township moves forward with the sewer project, Newport and Dividing Creek residents must hold their officials accountable. They must demand transparency and honesty, and they must insist that their voices be heard in the decision-making process.

It’s time for Downe Township officials to stop misrepresenting the financial implications and start taking responsibility for the financial burdens they are imposing on the community. The residents of Newport and Dividing Creek deserve to know the truth, and they deserve a fair solution to this unfair situation.

In the coming weeks, residents must stay vigilant and continue to question their elected officials. It’s clear that the leadership in Downe Township needs to be reminded that they are responsible for serving all residents, not just those directly benefiting from specific projects. It's time for them to stop the lies and start making decisions that are fair to everyone in the township.

Location: Downe, NJ, USA

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