More Info. On Proposed Tax Increase For Shore Regional Homeowners

MONMOUTH BEACH, NJ — On March 11, Shore Regional High School will ask residents in four towns (Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Sea Bright and West Long Branch) to raise property taxes to make school improvements.

Shore Regional seeks to pass a $51-million bond (borrow the money) to make improvements to the high school building and facilities. The original Shore Regional High School building was built in the early 1960s; the school district said it will use the increased tax revenue to make "program enhancements, building and system improvements, as well as upgrades to safety and security."

On March 11, voters will be asked to yay or nay a bond referendum. If residents vote "yes" to approve the referendum, their property taxes will go up. Here's how much by town:

• Monmouth Beach: Taxes will go up $26 per month for the owner of a home assessed at the borough average of $1,087,348.

• Oceanport: $22 per month for the owner of a home assessed at the borough average of $767,746.

• Sea Bright: $34 per month for the owner of a home assessed at the borough average of $1,027,419.

• West Long Branch: $29 per month for the owner of a home assessed at the borough average of $972,763.

Shore Regional High School is the public high school for students from four towns: Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Sea Bright and West Long Branch, where the school is located.

Here's the referendum website: www.shoreregional.org/vote

Here's an overview video, which gives a breakdown of the proposal in under five minutes. Also, watch this video from the meeting held Feb. 19 at the high school, where residents heard directly from Shore Regional superintendent Lisa English, who wants the referendum to pass.

If residents have questions, here's a list of FAQs or email shorevote@vote.shoreregional.org.

If voters approve the referendum, the state of New Jersey will also contribute approximately $14 million in state aid to help fund the work. Repayment of the debt will be spread out over the next 20 years, the district said.

Last week: Shore Regional Asks Voters To Approve $51Million Bond On March 11 (Feb. 14)