Jan. 26, 2008 - A Somerset 08873 milestone

Today is a somewhat momenteous day for Somerset 08873.  This is the 300th posting!  I sincerely hope you have benefited from my efforts and that you will continue to follow my musings and observations of the local Franklin Township real estate marketplace.

Michael

Now, on to the news:

Mailing of Tax Bill Delayed

The Statement of State Aid figure for the 2008 1st & 2nd quarter tax bill requires the Township to use 2008 certified property values.  These values are not certified until mid January and will result in a late mailing of the tax bills.

The anticipated mailing date for tax bills is January 25, 2008. The grace period will be extended seven days. The new date will be printed on the tax bill.

Radon Testing Kits 

There are only a few days remaining!  Franklin Township Health Department will offer Radon Testing kits to residents at the reduced cost of $10 each, unitl January 31, 2008 or while supplies last.  Kits can be purchased at the Department of Health and Community Resources Building at 935 Hamilton Street.   Only checks or money orders can be accepted.  Please call 732-873-2500, extension 372 for availability.

Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that comes from the radioactive decay of naturally occurring uranium in the soil.  It can seep into homes and buildings through small cracks in the foundation, sump pumps or soil in crawlspaces, and build up to dangerous levels.  Radon can be detected with a simple test and fixed through well-established venting techniques,   

For more information on radon, radon testing and mitigation go to EPA's Web site www.epa.gov/radon; or call the national toll-free hotline at 1-800-SOS-RADON (1-800-767-7236). 

Heat and Assistance resources for residents New Jersey residents may be eligible for energy assistance programs to help them pay their utility bills or prevent interruption in their gas or electric services. Contact the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities for more information:  1-800-624-0241 Winter Termination Program prevents New Jersey's residential gas and electric customers who participate in certain programs from having their gas or electric service disconnected during the winter months.  For eligibility information, call 1-800-624-0241. New Jersey Statewide Heating and Referral Energy Service, Inc. (NJ SHARES)provides assistance to eligible individuals and families living in New Jersey who are in need of temporary help in paying their energy bills.  For more information call 1-866-657-4273. The NJ Lifeline Credit Program offers assistance with electric and natural gas payments to persons who meet eligibility requirements.  For more information, call 1-800-792-9745. The Low Income Home energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps pay for heating costs and may cover certain medically-necessary cooling expenses.  For an application or information, New Jersey residents can call 1-800-510-3102. The NJ Universal Service Fund (USF) makes energy bills more affordable for low-income customers.  Applications are accepted all year; call:  1-866-240-1347. Notification Programs: Customers can sign up with their local electric and gap companies to receive notice of scheduled interruption in gas or electric service before services are discontinued. Consumers can avoid estimated bills and save money by sending meter readings (via online, phone or postcard) to their utility companies: PSE&G – 1-800-436-7734 211 Referral Service A Department of Homeland Security funded program that will connect persons in need of essential services (heat, housing, emergency repairs, child/eldercare needs, etc.) to social services programs and charities that may be able to offer assistance.  Call 2-1-1 to locate resources or to provide help.

 Source: Franklin Township