As Mayor, I would like to thank all of our residents who are doing their part to help “Flatten the Curve”. When visiting our parks or just walking in your neighborhoods, please practice social distancing. As of this writing, (5-15-20) Berkeley Township had 540 confirmed cases of COVID-19. That represents a little over 1% of our total population. Sadly, we have lost 71 residents to COVID-19. May they rest in peace.
I thank you all for your understanding and compliance during these unprecedented times. We are all in this together.
EXTENDING THE 2nd QUARTERLY PROPERTY TAX PAYMENT
Recently we have extended the 2nd quarter property tax payment due date an additional 20 days to June 1st. This was done help those homeowners who are struggling due to COVID-19 implications. The May 1st quarterly tax payment is now due June 1st. For those of you who have already paid your 2nd quarter property taxes, I say thank you. For those of you who haven’t yet, I am encouraging those with the means to pay, that are unaffected by the COVID-19 Pandemic, to please pay as soon as you can.
However, those of you who have been affected by the COVID-19 closures, we encourage you to please take advantage of the extra time and pay on June 1st.
Since Town Hall is closed to the general public, we are asking you to mail your property tax payment or you can drop it off at the new convenient drop off box. Residents also have the option of paying your property taxes online by E-Check or Credit Card. Please visit our website: www.berkeleytownship.org . Or for more information residents can call The Tax Collector’s Office at: (732) 244-7400 ext. 1240.
STRUGGLING WITH FOOD INSECURITY? WE ARE HERE TO HELP!
We know many are struggling with food insecurity during this difficult time. Working with Fulfill, formally the Food Bank Monmouth and Ocean County we have acquired emergency food “crisis kits” available for those residents in need. If you are in need of an emergency “crisis kit” please call the Berkeley Township Recreation Department at: 732-269-4456 to register. We will be distributing these crisis kits on Thursday, May 21st And June 4th from noon to 1:30pm at two locations in Berkeley Township: The Recreation Center on Route 9 in Bayville and at the Holiday City Berkeley Clubhouse parking lot.
SIGN UP FOR NIXLE FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION
I am pleased that many Berkeley residents have signed up for the Township’s new information notification system. However, many still have not. This service is in addition to our Reverse 9-1-1 notification system. By signing up for this service, you will receive real-time alerts and advisories directly from the Township and other public safety agencies. Please visit our web site at: www.berkeleytownship.org to sign up today.
DON’T FORGET TO FILE YOUR 2020 CENSUS FORM!!
Here is something everyone can do that will be extremely beneficial to Berkeley Township. Please fill out your Census 2020 forms. The census counts are critical in how the Federal Government allocates funding. The census provides critical data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers, and many others use to provide daily services, products, and support for our community. Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding go to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data. Let’s be COUNTED and get our fair share of funding from the Federal Government! To date, Berkeley Township has had the SECOND highest response rate in Ocean County. We have had a 69.2% response rate thus far. In 2010, our FINAL response rate was 74.1%.
We need to do better!
The online forms were mailed first week of March. Then, a follow up blue postcard was mailed in late April. By now you should have received the long form. If you haven’t received any information, please visit: www.2020census.gov
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO IS CONTRIBUTING DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC.
I want to thank our Doctors, Nurses, Hospital Staff, EMS, Police, Fire, Contractors, Restaurants, Food Stores & Employees, Utility Workers, Pharmacy’s, Delivery Services, Food Banks, Financial Institutions, Clergy, Volunteers, Donors, Educators, Truck Drivers, Public Employees and EVERYONE who is helping our Country during these unprecedented times!
As always, as Mayor I am here to serve our community. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email me at: mayor@twp.berkeley.nj.us or by phone: 732-244-7400 ext. 1203.
