A Message from Mayor Mahr

Dear Fanwoodians,

This week marked the sad benchmark of more than 120,000 Americans lost to COVID-19.  These deaths are a tragedy of proportions too large to hold in your heart. Please join me and take a moment to bow your head for those lost and their families who were unable to be with them at the end. I pray for a vaccine, but until that time, we must remain vigilant and protect ourselves and our community by making wise choices on where we go and being sure to continue wearing a mask, washing your hands thoroughly and often, and observing the six-foot social distance guidelines.

Last night I had the pleasure to engage with residents to discuss the recently received Estimated 3rd Quarter Tax Bill and the financial impact of the property reevaluation. I thank you all for the seriousness everyone brought to the conversation.

Since these bills arrived at your door, we have understandably been inundated with calls from alarmed residents.  I think we were able to calm the fears of many, clarify the confusion for many, and unfortunately, acknowledge the pain felt by those residents who were hit with a property tax increase.  And although it was a hard discussion, we are all better off with a full understanding of the facts relating to our taxation.  If you were unable to participate, I urge you to do so.  See below for the options on how to access the video.

It is also important for those hurt by the reassessment to consider filing a tax appeal.  While I cannot guarantee success, it is the only route remaining for those of you who believe that your assessed value is too high.  Details on filing the appeal, due July 1, are below.

And as ever, whether during the pandemic or another time of need, we are here to help. If you need assistance with food insecurity, illness, or unemployment issues, please reach out at mayor@fanwoodnj.org.

I wish you all a restful and enjoyable weekend!

– Mayor Colleen Mahr

Fanwood Town Hall on Estimated Tax Bills & Revaluations

 

Please take some time to view the informative June 25 Town Hall Meeting on taxation.

You can access the video by going to the  Fanwood Facebook page. The video is available 24–7.

We will also be airing the meeting on Comcast 35 and Verizon FiOS 24 several times a day until July 1.

You can view the related PowerPoint presentation here.

Dissatisfied with Your Home Assessment?

File a Tax Appeal – Deadline July 1

If you feel that your home value has been incorrectly assessed, you may file an appeal.  This process begins with Union County, with application forms and instructions found at https://ucnj.org/taxation-board/tax-appeal-forms-and-guidelines/.

If you have questions or need assistance with your filing, please reach out to Fanwood Tax Assessor Michael Ross at mross@fanwoodnj.org or telephone to 908 322-8236 x131.

Congratulations Top Fanwood Graduate, Josie Cerino

Congratulations to Josie Cerino for achieving the highest grade point average of all Fanwood 2020 graduates.  Josie’s quick mind and natural academic gifts will serve her well as she begins her studies at Stevens Institute.  Good luck Jose, your hometown is very proud!

 

 

 

July 7th Primary Election Vote-by-Mail

Due to the pandemic, the upcoming primary election is vote-by-mail. For a detailed outline of exceptions to this rule, due dates, polling places, and ballot drop boxes please click here.

Fanwood Memorial Library Update

The Library is now offering curbside service, for more information on this and summer program offerings go towww.fanwoodlibrary.org.