Tensions are heating up inside of a NJ school district after the local Board of Education proposed a school property tax increase.
The Plainfield, NJ BOE approved a move raising local school property taxes by 36% to make up a gap in the budget, according to NJ.com. If implemented, it would be the district’s first tax increase in six years.
The controversial policy has sparked debate among local officials, including Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp, who criticized the move as another cost burden for Plainfield taxpayers.
In a statement, Mapp said: “Let’s be clear: A 36% tax hike is not a cause for celebration. It is a devastating blow to Plainfield homeowners, many of whom are already struggling with rising costs and economic uncertainty.” Mayor Mapp went on to praise the district Superintendent for working to improve school standards in light of BOE politics. “While Superintendent Hasan and his team work diligently to raise test scores, the BOE has been more focused on attacking PILOT programs and charter schools rather than ensuring fiscal responsibility,” he said. “The result? A budget crisis that now falls squarely on the backs of hardworking taxpayers.”
Mapp also took a jab at Councilman Richard Wyatt, who served as BOE President “while this financial mess was brewing.” He went on to criticize Wyatt for publicly celebrating the approved tax hike instead of fighting for Plainfield constituents who will shoulder the burden.
Wyatt’s wife Hanae Wyatt serves as current BOE President.
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