Subject : Impact Fees: Larry, There is an article in today's Press about impact fees assessed on builders to offset costs to add additional recreational services. Does Mullica have this program for recreational or other purposes assessed on builders? Wendy

RESPONSE: The article referenced here was in Wednesday’s Press and referered to a $5,000 charge for any new home that is like a surcharge and goes to the Recreation Programs in that community. While the story was about Galloway I have been led to believe that Hamiliton Twp. has a similar $5,000 charge for new homes, but that is being challenged by builders and while the fee is being collected it is being held in escrow until the challenge is decided in the Court. The fee is in realization that those already in the community have used their tax money to build parks and playgrounds for the children in the community and this additional fee is to help pay for recreation facilities that already exist in the community.

As to Mullica’s “impact fees,” which are only $75 per new home and like others go to the recreation association in Mullica to support those extant programs. This fee, has been in effect for about the last 4 years. The difference between $5,000 and $75 are substantial and Mullica should consider the raising of this fee. But this is Mullica, where we have elected officials, THE CORRUPT MULLICA 5 AKA IDIOTS R US who are for sale and a cheap buy. For example, when the State did an audit of Mullica Twp. many years ago they recommended that the liquor licenses fee in Mullica be raised from its present ridiculous low charge of $250/year to $2000/year. THE CORRUPT MULLICA 5 have left the fee at $250, in return, one suspects for campaign contributions to the Mullica Republican Party. The larger community interests have always been for sale...cheaply with this group...and as a result we all pay higher property taxes.