ROCKAWAY TOWNSHIP

Dear Residents of Rockaway Township,

In these unprecedented times, I want to assure you that your Mayor and Administration are working hard to keep our community as safe and financially stable as possible. 

Many residents have inquired about property tax payments and whether regular quarterly tax payments may be delayed. Please be aware that the timing of the collection of taxes is regulated by state statute and that Township is bound by those statutes and cannot change the dates upon which payments are due by ordinance.   Until the state decides to grant relief, the dates upon which quarterly property tax payments are due will not change, nor will the statutory requirements to apply interest for late payment.  We are hopeful that the state will grant relief before the time arrives to make the next quarterly tax payment (May 1).  

There can be no doubt that the corona-virus war has changed lives around the world, including ours in Rockaway Township.  It has certainly changed my role as Mayor as well as that of my Administration which is impacted by the virus on a daily basis. In an attempt to assist all of you and to keep you informed we have set up webpages, and sent out alerts regularly. 

There are those who may have different ideas than me concerning how the Township should continue to operate in the face of the challenges the virus presents.  We respect those points of view and have considered suggestions that we have received.  However, there is no play book, no pre-written guidance or script for us to follow, because this is a first.  It seems like every day we receive a new Executive Order from the Governor and/or notices from the attorney general, the state health commissioner, etc. along with other new information being disseminated.  

Please understand that every step we have taken has been designed to provide you with the best services we can during this pandemic. 

I would like to recognize and commend the many community minded organizations in the Township that are assisting those in need by delivering food, etc. I am calling upon our wonderful community to band together, stay positive, follow the recommendations of our health department and government; and, to assist those who are in need.  Remember, Fault and blame have no place in our efforts, except to thwart them.  

I ask that you please continue to focus on the general health and welfare or our entire community by practicing the hygiene that we have been taught will prevent the spread of the virus. Sticking together as a Township (at least 6 feet apart, of course) will get us through this crisis.

 I am confident that I can count on everyone to be positive, helpful and follow the guidelines to keep ROCKAWAY TOWNSHIP GREAT!

Here are the links to our website page set up to inform the public and small businesses.

Sincerely,

Mayor Michael Puzio