Taxes

Update: John Hutchison, the D&R Canal Commission’s executive director, shed more light on the issue. Hutchison said that at the March 20 commission meeting, it was learned that the new cost estimate for the bridge was $876,000, with a 10 percent contingency.

A new library branch, a fitness center and music and video studios are just some of the amenities that will be included in the Franklin Township Youth Center when it opens on Lewis Street. The 24,000-square-foot center is slated to open in September of 2020.

Another increase in the value of township properties is contributing to a projected slight decrease in the school tax rate, the Board of Education’s business administrator said March 18. BA Jon Toth’s comments came during an open meeting of the school board’s finance committee, during which schools Superintendent John Ravally and Toth brought board members and the public up-to-date on …

The Township Council wants to know more about a proposed $500,000 pedestrian bridge to the Delaware & Raritan Canal towpath near Easton Avenue and John F. Kennedy Boulevard. The Council voted on a motion to give township resident John Loos – a member of the Delaware & Raritan Canal Commission – the authority to see whether Somerset County would be …

Franklin is in a “very good, strong financial position,” the Township Council was told at a Feb. 19 special budget meeting. That prognosis of the township’s revenue position came at the end of the meeting – the second budget meeting in eight days – from township auditor Andrew Hodulik.

Township residents looking for information during emergencies now have another outlet, an AM radio station.

A “safe zone” for residents to conduct online business exchanges will be established in front of police headquarters under an ordinance approved at the Oct. 9 Township Council meeting. The brainchild of Councilman Will Galtieri (D-Ward 2), the zone is meant to give online sellers and buyers some “peace of mind” when transacting their business, he said.

Not all private school students will be afforded bus transportation by the school district this year. Students who attend Immaculate Conception School in Somerville;  Noor-ul-Iman School in Monmouth Junction and Timothy Christian School in Piscataway will not have district-supplied transportation, said district spokeswoman Mary Clark.

Schools Superintendent John Ravally stands to earn another $29,000 at the end of the upcoming school year, based on five goals approved Aug 23 by the Board of Education. As it does yearly, the board set three quantitative goals and two qualitative goals for Ravally, with tiered payments based on how much of each goal he accomplishes.

There will still be a few loose ends to tie up, but for the most part, district schools will be ready to open on Sept. 20, the Board of Education was told at its Aug. 23 meeting. Schools Superintendent John Ravally gave the board its final update on the “One Less Move” referendum construction projects before the new school year …