Village of Ridgewood E – Notice – Wednesday, July 29th
Dear Residents,
Hope that you are staying cool during this heat wave as well as enjoying the cooler days!
I have a couple of things on my mind that I would like to share with you.
Tax Bills –
First, I wanted to make you aware that Bergen County has set their 2015 tax levy. As you know, your total annual tax amount is made up of several components: notably School, Municipality, County, Library and Open Space taxes. This year’s County tax levy is 6.35% higher than 2014. Our 3rd quarter tax bill used a slightly lower rate for the County; therefore our 4th quarter tax bills will be slightly higher than the 3rd quarter, due August 1st .
Sprinkler Compliance –
On another topic, based on input we received from many of you, we are taking stricter measures to monitor and insure adherence to water restrictions; we will be issuing warnings starting this week to homeowners who are not in compliance. Please check our website https://water.ridgewoodnj.net for the current watering restrictions. Water conservation is very important to our community so all of us should play our part in supporting this program.
Building Department Amnesty Program Expires on August 21st –
The Building Department is offering an amnesty program for residential work that has been previously completed without the required permits. The main purpose is to ensure that any work that was completed without permits does not cause a safety hazard. The homeowners will still have to pay for permits as well as possible new tax assessments; only the fines will be waived through the amnesty period.
Lastly, a reminder to dog owners that license renewals with valid rabies certificate were due in June. In an effort to control the spread of rabies, the State of New Jersey requires local health departments to conduct a canvass for dogs. The program is underway and will continue through the end of the summer. Approximately 1072 dogs, have been renewed and licensed this year; with about 400 in need of renewal. Summons will be issued starting August 15th.
Wishing you and your family an enjoyable rest of the summer!
Best,
Roberta Sonenfeld
Village Manager
Well, Roberta, I think the issues you are facing these days might be a tad more significant than dog licenses and lawn sprinklers. We’d all appreciate an update on illegal hiring practices, election fraud involving emails to a candidate’s employer, the Valley lawsuit, and more such pressing matters.
Are the other towns on board with the “Sprinkler Compliance”? Wyckoff and Midland Park residents never seem to follow these restrictions.