Bill > S4345

This bill modifies the procedures for fire districts to request an exemption from the property tax levy cap, which currently limits how much local governments can increase their property tax collections each year. Under existing law, most local units must submit a public referendum to voters to increase their tax levy by more than the allowed amount. The bill creates a new provision specifically for fire districts, allowing them to request approval directly from the Local Finance Board (LFB) instead of holding a public vote. When reviewing such requests, the LFB must consider changes in appropriations, revenues, or other circumstances that justify the proposed tax levy increase. Importantly, if the LFB rejects a fire district's request to exceed the tax levy cap, that decision is final for the fiscal year, with no opportunity for appeal or further review. The bill aims to provide fire districts with a more streamlined process for potentially increasing their tax collections, bypassing the traditional public referendum requirement while still maintaining oversight through the Local Finance Board. The changes will apply to fire district budgets adopted after the bill's enactment.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4345