peq header
 March 2015


 

 

   Pequannock Police Department

 

 

 

The Pequannock Police Department has seen an increase in the amount of reported scams and thefts through fraud over the last few years. In 2014 the police department investigated 32 cases involving credit and bank card fraud. In most of these cases the victim's credit or bank card was used for unauthorized purchases

on-line.

 

Several types of phone scams were reported to the police in 2014. In six cases victims were contacted by individuals claiming to be with the Internal Revenue Service.   In these cases the individual demanded credit card and bank account information to keep the victim out of trouble with the IRS. All of these cases were found to be scams. In two other cases victims received calls from individuals claiming to need a large amount of money for the victim to claim a prize. In one of these cases the individual claimed to be with Publishers Clearing House. Both incidents were found to be scams. The police department also received four reports of victims receiving phone calls from unknown individuals claiming that a close relative of the victim was in trouble in a foreign country. The individual then asked the victim to wire large amounts of money to them so that they can assist the victim's relative. Additionally, victims received calls from individuals saying that they had just been involved in an accident with one of the victim's relatives. The unknown individual then demands large amounts of money be sent to them or they will hurt or kill the victim's relative. These calls were all found to be scams.

 

People perpetrating these scams work hard to obtain your information and money and are constantly coming up with new scams to trick people into sending them your hard earned money to make a quick buck. In many of the incidents reported to the police the unknown individual has detailed information about the victim or their relative which causes the victim to believe what is being reported to them. The police department encourages anyone who receives phone calls, e-mails or standard mail from a source that they feel is suspicious and is asking for money to contact the police before giving out personal information or sending money to those asking for it. Remember, if you didn't sign up for a lottery or drawing then you should not be receiving anything that says you won a lottery or drawing. The police department encourages residents to not leave purses or wallets in cars or any other place that is not secure as credit and bank fraud can occur from an individual stealing credit and bank cards from locations out of your control. Residents should also talk with their elderly relatives about scams as the elderly are often the targets for scammers. If you believe you have been the victim of a scam or fraud you should contact the police department to file a report. The police department also offers identity theft packets for residents who believe that their identify has been stolen. The packets outline ways to report the theft to credit bureaus in order to monitor their credit and can be picked up at the police dispatch window.      

  

 

 Shop, Dine, Play Pick Pequannock

 

Did you know when you shop with local businesses more of your money stays closer to home? The Economic Development Committee encourages township residents to shop locally whenever possible for purchasing goods and services. The EDC created a shop local campaign named Pick Pequannock. This campaign is to help encourage township residents to Shop, Dine, and Play locally. Most people would subscribe to the notion that shopping local is great for local businesses. What most people do not realize is that not only does shopping local benefit the local businesses, but the residents also get to benefit as well. Many studies have supported the idea that locally-owned businesses re-circulate a far greater percentage of revenue locally. Shopping local can help increase our tax base. This will result in more money to enhance government funded community features that add to Pequannock's quality of life. The local multiplier effect is the science behind the numbers that make shopping local not only the right decision, but an important one for a strong local economy. The local multiplier effect impacts a local economy through 3 main components. Direct impact, Indirect impact, and Induced impact. Direct impact is spending done by a business in the local economy to operate the business, including inventory, utilities, equipment and pay to employees. Indirect impact happens as dollars the local business spent at other area businesses re-circulate. Induced impact refers to the additional consumer spending that happens as employees, business owners and others spend their income in the local economy. This re-circulation of money that occurs helps to limit the amount of money that would leave Pequannock Township and instead keep more of it within the township. The percentage of money that a local economy can keep circulating limiting the amount being leaked out is more important than how much total money it has. The environment is also usually discussed when talking about benefits of shopping local. Many people are unaware of the negative externalities that arise when they choose to go elsewhere for goods or services. An example of this could be the increase in pollution from automobiles or shipping related transportation. Whether you choose to shop local for convenience, because you enjoy the personal relationship with the owner, or you know its just the right thing to do - that small decision has a major influence on your local economy. So put your money where your heart is and Shop, Dine, Play Pick Pequannock!  

 

Economic Development Committee

Jeff Turi - Chair 
  

 

                                   

  


 

Municipal Alliance Committee  (MAC)

 

The Pequannock Township Municipal Alliance (MAC), and the Pequannock Township Coalition along with Community Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Morris (CCSHM), is reaching out to you to help prevent the illegal sale of alcoholic beverages to youth.

 

To show our thanks for your help, we will provide you with a toolkit of information regarding "ID Checks", as well as materials to help alert your customers. The kit will contain:

 

-       1 Black Light to identify a fake I.D.

-       1License I.D. Guide

-       A Six-Step I.D. Check Card

-       A "Get Your I.D. Out" Window Sign

 

We will also thank all participating establishments with an article in the Daily Record and a banner on CCSHM's website, showcasing your establishment and its participation in our "Get Your I.D. Out" campaign!

 

Your active participation in this campaign will save you from possible penalties and fines, but more importantly, will show your customers that you are helping to keep your community- and its kids- safe and healthy.

 

Thank you in advance,

 

Mary Vineis, Coordinator Pequannock Township MAC  

Tax & Utility Department

 

2012 Homestead Benefit

 

The New Jersey Division of Taxation has sent notification that the 2012 Homestead Benefit is scheduled to be applied to the second quarter 2015 property tax installment. Anyone who had previously applied and qualifies for this benefit should expect to receive a revised May, 2015 tax bill. The filing deadline for the 2012 Homestead Benefit application was January 31, 2014.

Any property owner planning to sell their home prior to the receiving this benefit should inform their attorney of the pending credit so that an adjustment can be made at the closing. Refunds or transfer of funds are not allowed through the tax department to property owners who have sold since 2012.

 

2014 Property Tax Reimbursement

 

The 2014 Property Tax Reimbursement Forms (Tax Freeze) are scheduled to be mailed in early March. Residents who were 65 years old as of December 31, 2013, have owned and lived in their home since December 31, 2010 or earlier and meet the income requirements noted below should apply.

Income Limits (Combined income for married persons or civil unions)

                                2013       Less than or equal to $84,289

                                2014       Less than or equal to $85,553

All income with very few exceptions must be taken into account when determining eligibility. These limits include income that do not have to be reported on the New Jersey Income Tax Return such as social security, disability income and tax exempt dividends and interest.

 

Veteran or Surviving Spouse Deduction

 

Applications to receive the Veteran or Surviving Spouse Deduction are available at the tax office in Town Hall. Honorably discharged veterans or the spouse of a deceased honorably discharged veteran may qualify for a $250 deduction on their property taxes if they served during specific wartime periods and have owned their home since October 1 of the prior tax year.

 

Senior / Disabled Deduction

 

Homeowners who are 65 years old or disabled as of December 31, 2014, have owned their home since October 1, 2014 and whose income is under $10,000 excluding social security or disability income may qualify for a $250 deduction on their property taxes. Forms are available at the tax office in Town Hall. Anyone who already receives this deduction must verify each year that their income was under the $10,000 limit by completing The Annual Post Year Income Statement.   These forms were mailed out in January and should be returned to the tax office by March 1, 2015.

 

 

 


  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 For More Information Visit Our Website 

 

 

Fair Housing

 

If you or someone you know would be interested in affordable housing, please contact Fair Housing at 973-835-5700, Ext. 198 or e-mail Gail DeGraw at gdegraw@peqtwp.org for an Interested Person Questionnaire.

  

 Fair Housing Committee Meetings for 2015 are as follows: 

 

March 25

April 22

May 27

June 24

July 22

August 26

September 23

October 28

November 18

December 23

 

All meetings start at 7 p.m. in second floor conference room.

  
ATTENTION PEQUANNOCK RESIDENTS
 
Volunteers needed for our Annual River Cleanup on April 11 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.  Volunteers will meet at the Senior House before deploying to their designated cleanup areas.  Children are welcome with adult supervision.  Garbage bags will be provided, but gloves are limited.  Please try to bring your own. Pre-registration is not required but will help with logistics.  To register, visit the Parks & Recreation Office or e-mail ptec@peqtwp.org.
  

 Health Department News 
   

 

Interactive Map of Pequannock Township
 
Follow the above link to view Pequannock Township 
with visual links developed in easily accessible categories.


1. Township Overview
View key locations throughout our town

2. Retail Food Inspections
View the most recent in depth food inspection report of your favorite local eatery.
Color coded icons depict current rating as follows:

White - Satisfactory
Orange - Conditionally Satisfactory
Red - Unsatisfactory


3. Parks and Recreation
 

 

 

Click Here for the Health Department's Newsletter
   
 Adopt a Hydrant

If you have a fire hydrant near your house, and it becomes snow covered, please shovel a 3 foot clearance around the hydrant.
Thank you from the Fire Safety Office
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Township of  Pequannock

530 Newark Pompton Turnpike

Pompton Plains, New Jersey  07444

973-835-5700