Dear Montclair Taxpayer:

Due to the many uncertainties facing municipalities regarding property taxes, including final determinations by State government over State aid and other property tax issues, adoption of the Township budget this year did not occur before July 1st.

This leaves us with two choices: borrow money to meet third quarter obligations or send out estimated tax bills. Rather than borrow, the Township has decided, as authorized by Chapter 72, Laws of 1994, to issue estimated tax bills for the August 1, 2007 tax payment.

Please note that the tax bill you receive in the mail this month is the only tax bill you will receive for the August 1, 2007 payment.

Also, please remember the estimated bill covers municipal, county, and public schools taxes. To avoid interest charges, all August payments must be received on or before August 10, 2007. Tax bills for the November 1, 2007, February 1, 2008 and May 1, 2008 payments will be mailed at a later date. After the Township budget is finalized, a newsletter will be sent to all residents giving a detailed report on Township taxes and the final budget.

If our records indicate that you pay your taxes directly, an original bill is enclosed with this letter. If an original bill is enclosed and you have arranged for a mortgage company to make your payments, please forward this bill to your mortgage company and have the mortgage company forward the change to the Tax Collector’s Office. If our records indicate that a mortgage company pays your tax bill, an advice bill is enclosed with this letter. If this is correct, no action is necessary on your part. However, if you have paid off your mortgage recently and now pay property taxes directly to the Township, the advice bill should be used for payment.

If you have any questions regarding your estimated bill, please do not hesitate to call the Tax Collector’s office at 973-509-4923, 4922, or 4921.

The Township will continue to operate following sound business practices. In these challenging times tax-wise, Township officials are constantly striving to keep in balance the need to control costs while also delivering the services, programs, environment, and facilities that make Montclair such a great community in which to live, work, and even shop, dine or visit.

This is not an easy task and we all appreciate your support and welcome your input. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Joseph M. Hartnett
Township Manager