Message from Mayor Dalina

Important Update on Mailing of Tax Bills

Monroe Township has worked hard to keep property taxes stable. At the same time, we are maintaining our critical services and outstanding amenities. This year, we increased public safety staffing at our Police Department and Emergency Medical Services Department.  

Municipal taxes, which represents only 18% of your property tax bill, will have a modest increase this year of 1.5 cents per $100 of assessed value (a small fraction of this year’s overall increase.)

I understand that any tax increase is a burden, and that is why we have worked diligently to keep this increase as low as possible. For the average assessed home in Monroe, this increase to the municipal tax rate equates to approximately $4.00 per month. We all recognize the importance of affordability, and this year’s budget continues my commitment to tightening our belts and being mindful of your hard-earned dollars.

We have prioritized essential services while foregoing all new major additions to the operating budget. The one exception is public safety. We must continue to invest in the safety and security of our community, and as such, we have authorized the addition of three new police officers and two new EMS personnel. These additions will help ensure that we maintain response times and services for our residents.

Taxes to fund our public schools, library, municipal budget and County budget will result in approximately a 3% increase in your overall property tax bill, plus any change by your individual fire district. 

The Monroe Township tax bills will be mailed this week and will include stubs for the final third and fourth quarter property taxes of 2025, as well as estimated 2026 first and second quarter property taxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tax collector asked me to highlight two questions that her office often receives when tax bills go out.  

1. (Q) Why are the 3rd and 4th Quarter (Aug/Nov) bills higher than the 1st and 2nd Quarter bills?

(A) As per state law, the first two quarters of the year are estimated based on the previous year’s tax rate. So, if there is an increase, in this case an approximately 3% annual increase, plus any adjustment from your Fire District, there are just two quarters to collect that increase for the County, School Tax, etc. 

2. (Q) Why do you say “approximately” a 3% increase? 

(A) Monroe has three separate fire districts, so each rate depends on the annual budgets of the individual districts. The approximate 3% increase does not count any adjustment made by your individual fire district this year, because that will differ depending on where you live in Monroe.  

Reminder: Your next quarterly tax payment is due Aug 1st and the grace period will be extended to August 22nd, after which interest will begin to accrue from the beginning of the third quarter.

Property Tax Relief Renewed

Lastly, one of my primary goals as Mayor has been to convince the state to increase property tax relief for Monroe’s residents by expanding the former Homestead Rebate into the new ANCHOR program, and funding the Stay NJ initiative. The ANCHOR program is available to all residents (making less than $250k) and provides tax relief checks up to $1,750. The Stay NJ program will offer a 50% property tax reimbursement to homeowners 65 or older, capped at $6,500.00, or the ANCHOR benefit, whichever is greater. 

I am pleased to report that through our efforts ANCHOR was renewed in the recent state budget, and Stay NJ received another year of funding toward its implementation in 2026. We will again inform and assist residents with the application process.

ANCHOR Property tax relief checks will again be up to $1,500 for those eligible. This year, residents over age 65 can apply for up to $1,750 in property tax relief.

Sincerely,

Stephen Dalina, 

Mayor

© 2025 Township of Monroe, New Jersey