Secaucus Property Taxes Remain Flat For Third Year In Row

SECAUCUS, NJ — Secaucus property taxes will remain flat for the third year in a row, as the town unveiled its $56 million 2018 budget at the Council meeting Tuesday night.

"For the third year in a row there will be no tax increase in any way, shape or form for homeowners," said Nick Goldsack, the chief financial officer for the town of Secaucus.

While the school and Hudson County taxes fluctuate every year, usually going up, Secaucus' municipal tax rate has actually stayed flat for the past nine years, including 2018. Keeping taxes stable is usually an indicator of how well a town is run, and it's also a campaign promise made by Mayor Mike Gonnelli when he was re-elected.

"When people hear we are flat again across the board, it's phenomenal," said Mayor Gonnelli.

The budget for Secaucus public schools increased two percent this year. However, Secaucus adjusted its municipal tax levy to absorb the school tax increase. The total operating budget for the Secaucus Board of Education this year is $37.8 million; about $35 million of that is supplied directly by Secaucus property owners.

The Hudson County tax levy — the amount of money Hudson County requests from all the towns — usually increases annually, as well. However, this year there was an unprecedented eight percent drop in the amount of tax dollars required by the county. Secaucus town administrator Gary Jeffas commented after Tuesday night's meeting that it was first time he's ever heard of such a big drop in the county tax.

"It was a pleasant surprise to us, to be perfectly honest," Goldsack said. "It's surprising to see such a huge drop. Now, Secaucus could take advantage of that by lowering taxes this year, but what if next year Hudson County wants more money? It's safest to keep taxes stable. We try to avoid a spike, where one year taxes are down, next year they have to go back up, etc."

Secaucus has the lowest municipal tax rate of any town in Hudson County, a fact the town prides itself on. The average Secaucus homeowner pays $6,200 in property taxes every year.

"When individuals come into a town, or think about moving there, two of the biggest things they look at are the taxes and the school system," said Goldsack. "So we're very proud to have the lowest tax rate in Hudson County. People look at the bottom line on their tax bill — is it going up? That's the most important thing."

Secaucus makes improvements to town swim center

At its meeting Tuesday night, Secaucus also decided to issue an $80,000 bond to pay for various improvements to the Secaucus town pool. When the town issues a bond, it borrows money, which it then pays back, usually at a low one- to two-percent interest rate.

Some of the improvements being done at the swim center are new pavers are being put on the walkway by the seniors' entrance, new pavers in front of the storage sheds and putting in new tables and chairs. There will also be two new tiki huts added. The guards who sit at the front entrance will also be getting new security shacks to sit in.

"People will notice the improvements when the pool opens," which is Memorial Day weekend, said Mayor Gonnelli.

In fact, if you drive past the Swim Center right now, you can see the work being done.

The Indian Caucus of Secaucus also donated $500 to the Secaucus all-volunteer fire department Tuesday night.

Harmon Cove resident Raj Pardasani especially thanked them for helping out at the fire at Harmon Cove Tower 3 that broke out on the evening of April 30, which was described as "very bad" by the town mayor.

"The firefighters were the heroes that night," Pardasani told Patch.

All photos taken by Carly Baldwin/Patch