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We have taken several important actions to limit the impact of rising costs, such as:
- Identified over $1.5 million in strategic budget reductions while preserving valuable resident services
- Select department vacancies and new full-time vacancies will remain unfilled
- Strategic reductions to operating expenses without cutting Senior programs, Recreation programs or Public Safety resources
- Participation in additional purchasing cooperatives that prioritize cost effectiveness
- Aggressively identifying and securing grant funding for park projects, paving projects, energy incentives and more
With all of these careful steps considered, the municipal portion of your property tax bill, which accounts for just 19% of the total bill, will increase by 4.3 cents per $100 of assessed value this year, representing only a small portion of the overall property tax increase. For the average assessed home in Monroe, the municipal tax increase amounts to approximately $12.08 per month.
Overall, taxes supporting our public schools, library, municipal government, and Middlesex County will result in an approximate increase of 4.71% in your total property tax bill, plus any adjustment from your individual fire district.
Monroe Township tax bills will be mailed this week. They include payment stubs for the third and fourth quarters of 2026, as well as estimated first and second quarter 2027 property tax payments.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Our Tax Collector’s Office regularly receives a few common questions when tax bills are issued. Below are answers to the two most frequently asked.
- Question: Why are the third and fourth quarter (August and November) tax bills higher than the first and second quarter bills?
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Answer: Under New Jersey law, first and second quarter tax payments are estimated using the previous year’s tax rate because the current year’s tax rates have not yet been finalized. Once the new rates are adopted, any increase, including this year’s approximate 4.71% overall increase, plus any applicable fire district adjustment, is collected during the remaining two quarterly payments.
- Question: Why do you refer to the increase as “approximately” 4.71%?
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Answer: Monroe Township is served by three separate fire districts, each with its own tax rate based on its annual budget. Because those rates vary by district, the overall increase will differ slightly depending on where you live. The 4.71% figure does not include any change to your individual fire district tax rate.
Reminder: Your next property tax payment is due August 1, 2026. The grace period has been extended through August 21. After that date, interest will accrue retroactively from the beginning of the third quarter.
PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROGRAMS
One of my top priorities as Mayor has been advocating for meaningful property tax relief for Monroe residents, including programs such as ANCHOR, Senior Freeze and Stay NJ. Please be mindful of the upcoming application deadlines. I encourage all eligible residents to apply.
ANCHOR and Senior Freeze applications are due November 2, 2026.
Stay NJ benefits are administered through the State using information from your ANCHOR and Senior Freeze applications. Please note that residents age 65+ need to only submit one application (PAS-1) by November 2 for all three programs. There is no need to apply separately for each program. All other residents (non-seniors/renters) are encouraged to apply for the ANCHOR benefit by November 2.
For eligibility requirements, application information and assistance, visit the New Jersey Division of Taxation website at www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation.
I understand that property taxes are an important concern for every household. My administration remains committed to managing your tax dollars responsibly, investing in the services that matter most, and advocating for every available form of property tax relief.
As always, if you have questions about your tax bill or available relief, please contact the Monroe Township Tax Collector’s office at 732-521-4405.
Sincerely,
Stephen Dalina,
Mayor
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