Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Franklin Township public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues in taxes budget
Property Tax Increases
New property assessment cards were mailed with a May 1 appeal deadline. Residents were urged to apply for state property tax relief and to call the assessor with questions rather than relying on assessment card figures for income taxes.
First update to planning and zoning fees in 15 years
Application, escrow, and review fees for developers are going up to cover the township's review costs. Homeowner zoning permits become a flat $50, with $100 fees for new houses and commercial buildings and higher review fees when big projects add stormwater review.
CY2026 Municipal Budget Adoption
The township was set to introduce its 2026 budget along with an ordinance letting spending rise up to 3.5% over last year. A public hearing is set for May 26, so residents will get a chance to weigh in on how tax dollars are spent.
2026 Fire District Tax Rates
The council set the 2026 tax rates for all four fire districts, from .049 to .071 per $100 of valuation, funding budgets that total roughly $10.3 million.
Municipal Fee Changes (Recycling, Dog Licenses, Weddings)
A resident objected to the new leaf disposal fee, citing poor notice, awkward payment, and limited hours. The manager said free brush drop-off ended due to storage and NJDEP issues, but fall street-side leaf pickup remains free, and online payments are coming.
Rutgers Preparatory School Bond Issuance
The council was scheduled to approve the issuance of bonds by the Public Finance Authority for the benefit of Rutgers Preparatory School — a financing mechanism, not a township expenditure.
Election ballot printing costs and stale voter rolls
Sample ballot printing is budgeted way up because the county charges based on registered voters — 45,936, which the clerk doubts. With 51 different ballots this year, costs jumped $12,000 last year and more is budgeted now.
Senior transportation service capacity
The county-run senior bus service costs $96,157 a year and is heavily used, but Councilman Anbarasan questioned whether seniors who need rides are actually getting them. Expanding to a second bus would roughly double the cost and require hard-to-find CDL drivers.
Liability insurance spike
The township's liability insurance and workers' comp bill is proposed at $1.89 million, up about $392,000 — market-driven increases, not more claims.
Group health insurance cost increase
The township's share of employee health insurance is proposed at $10.92 million, up $1.2 million. The shared Partnership Health Center with the school board is expected to save $250,000–$300,000 this year, and more in later years, but the township is now phasing in payments to the BOE for the center's operating costs.
Hamilton Street Special Improvement District budget and assessments
The $40,228 CY2026 budget funds administration, marketing events, and emergency preparedness for the Hamilton Street business district, with $34,000 assessed to district property owners at 0.0002050 of assessed value.
First-quarter property taxes due
February taxes are due February 1 with a grace period to February 10, and residents can pay online via the township website.
2026 Boards, Committees and Commissions Vacancies
Open seats on township boards and commissions were up for discussion — a direct opportunity for residents to volunteer and shape local policy.
Interest Rate on Delinquent Taxes
The council was scheduled to set the 2026 interest rate charged on delinquent taxes and assessments. This affects what late-paying property owners owe.
Professional Services Contracts for 2026
The township's legal, engineering, audit, prosecutor, and financial consulting contracts were up for annual renewal, totaling well over $2 million combined. These are the professionals who advise the township all year.