Johnson Lake, Byram, NJ.
The Sussex County Farmland Preservation, Recreation and Open Space Fund is due to expire December 31, 2015. Thankfully, the Sussex County Board of Freeholders have placed a public question for its renewal on the November 3 ballot, and I’m urging Sussex County residents to vote ‘Yes’ to prevent the Fund from expiring.
The Open Space program enjoys the support of municipalities throughout Sussex County. On May 5 of this year, the Byram Township Council became one of many governing bodies to pass a resolution to urging the County Freeholders to place a question on the ballot for County residents to decide if the Fund is to be renewed.
The goals of Byram’s Open Space program – preservation of parcels to protect water resources, maintaining contiguous forest, connectivity of preserved properties, access to public trails and water bodies, and acquisition of sites for future active recreational uses – are well served with the use of County funds. Most notably, the acquisition of the Tamarack Greenway (formerly know as the Hudson Farm Greenway) in 2010 was, as Byram Mayor Jim Oscovitch stated in the press release for the acquisition, a “…perfect example of how local, county and state agencies can all work hand in hand toward a common goal.”
The language that will appear on the ballot is immediately below, and further below that is the County Open Space Committee’s FAQ regarding the question. Please read and review them both, and pass this information along to family and friends, and encourage them to get out and vote ‘Yes’ to renew the Sussex County Farmland Preservation, Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund on November 3.
Sussex County Farmland Preservation, Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund ballot question language:
SUSSEX COUNTY FARMLAND PRESERVATION, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE TRUST FUND
Shall the County of Sussex continue the current “Farmland Preservation, Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund” for the purposes of acquisition of farmland for farmland preservation purposes; and acquisition of lands for recreation and open space programs. All funds will be available for either of these two programs. This program will be funded at a rate not to exceed 1.5 cents per $100.00 of total County equalized real property valuation.”INTERPRETIVE STATEMENT
This referendum, if passed by the voters, would require the elected officials of the County ofSussex to continue the current “Farmland Preservation, Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund” for the purposes of acquisition of farmland for farmland preservation purposes and acquisition of lands for recreation and open space programs.A YES vote will permit the County to levy a maximum levy of 1.5 cents per $100.00 of total County equalized real property valuation. In the event that any portion of the funds realized in a given year is not encumbered for projects, it will be set aside for projects in the next calendar year. Applications will be presented to the Sussex County Agriculture Development Board and/or the Sussex County Open Space Committee for review and recommendation to the Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders. The County will annually determine the rate to be levied. The money raised annually for this Trust Fund will be used only for the purposes authorized and shall be subject to an annual independent audit. The tax will discontinue once the objectives of the program have been achieved or on January 1, 2026, whichever is the first to occur.
A NO vote will let the current tax expire, discontinuing the Farmland Preservation, Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund.
The Sussex County Open Space Committee’s FAQ:
FARMLAND PRESERVATION, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE TRUST FUND FAQ
What is the 2015 Farmland Preservation, Recreation, and Open Space Trust Fund ballot referendum?
A question asking voters to allow the Board of Chosen Freeholders to continue the current Farmland Preservation, Recreation, and Open Space Trust Fund levy. A “Yes” vote will mean that, rather than expiring on January 1, 2016, the existing program will continue. It does not create a new tax.How was the Farmland Preservation, Recreation, and Open Space Trust Fund (Trust Fund) created?
The Board of Chosen Freeholders created the fund through ballot referendums in November 2000 and again in November 2005, which were overwhelmingly passed by Sussex County residents. Both referendums provided for the expiration of each authorization after a period of 10 years.How is the current Trust Fund funded?
Through a property tax assessment determined annually by the Board of Chosen Freeholders, at a rate not to exceed 1.5 cents per $100.00 of total County equalized real property valuation. The Board of Chosen Freeholders also determines the distribution of funds. This means that the amount collected and distributed may vary from year to year.What is the current rate?
The 2015 rate is $0.00231005 per $100.00 of total County equalized real property valuation, or approximately $7.20 per household.How does the Trust Fund work?
The Trust Fund is divided into two separate categories, each having its own distinct goals and objectives. The Farmland Preservation Program uses Trust Fund dollars to purchase development easements on farm land, forever protecting the agriculture use.The Open Space program uses Trust Fund dollars to acquire land and/or water areas for the protection of ecologically sensitive areas; preservation of areas of scenic, cultural or historic value; public outdoor recreational facilities (active or passive); preservation of lands of exceptional flora or fauna; and for the protection of critical water supplies.
Projects are selected through an open and competitive process, governed by State and Local statutes. Funds can only be used to purchase land in Sussex County from willing sellers on a voluntary basis. The County does not condemn property if the owner is unwilling to sell.
For additional information please visit the County’s Open Space page.