Residents tell Neptune school board tax hikes are forcing retirees, families to choose between care and bills
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Summary
Multiple residents testified during public comment about steep increases in school property taxes, describing medical and housing hardships and urging the board to reduce costs. Speakers cited increases ranging from about 40% to 48% over recent years and asked the board to explain staffing and enrollment decisions.
Multiple Neptune residents used the public comment period at the Board of Education meeting to describe personal financial strain from recent school property tax increases and to urge board action to reduce the tax burden.
Henry Mueller read a statement from Tommy Libby, a Neptune resident diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, saying, “The recent dramatic increase in school tax levy has had a significant impact on me as a disabled retired person living on a fixed income.” Libby’s statement, as read by Mueller, said he spent about $80,000 of personal savings to adapt his home for his condition and that recent tax increases may force him to move.
Eric Meyer, who identified himself as a teacher earning about $40,000 a year, said the increases are “out of control” and make it difficult for people on modest incomes to remain in the community. Joanne McCormick said her property tax bill rose $3,000 between 2024 and 2025 and that she may be unable to afford future medical screenings following a breast cancer diagnosis.
Other speakers pressed the board for explanations. Karen Mason asked whether district buildings were being evaluated for sale and questioned why staffing levels appear unchanged while enrollment has dropped, citing a claim that the high school is operating at roughly 39% of capacity. Paul Zapner urged civility in public debate and said that some residents are facing a “48% increase over 2 years,” language he used to describe the scale of recent increases. Lou Manzion, a retired engineer, said his taxes rose about 40% this past year and estimated that the increased tax burden has reduced his home’s market value.
Board members and administrators responded that many of the matters raised had been discussed at prior meetings and directed residents to the August and September meeting minutes and budget sessions for detailed explanations. The board president also reminded attendees that the board relies on the official record and documents rather than social media posts.
The board did not take any formal action on tax rates at the meeting. Public comment closed before the meeting moved to committee reports and a series of superintendent-recommended consent motions.