May 1, 2020
Coronavirus Update #32
Dear Resident,
As I mentioned in my prior report, Governor Murphy issued Executive Order 130 allowing municipalities to extend the grace period for the 2nd quarter property tax payments to May 1. To do so, each Township was required to hold a special meeting of the Township Council to authorize the grace period. I am pleased to announce that this morning the Township Council unanimously voted to authorize an extension to the grace period giving residents until Monday, June 1 of the grace period for property taxes. Please note that pursuant to statutory law, interest for any payments not received by June 1st is calculated back to the due date of May 1, 2020. You will shortly receive a separate email from the Tax Collector confirming the extended grace period and the no-contact ways to remit your property taxes.
It is important to note that 80% of what the Township collects must be turned over to the school districts and the County according to a statutory schedule. I am pleased to report that the Marlboro K-8 and Regional school districts are working with us during this unprecedented period to ensure that there is sufficient cash flow to simultaneously meet the needs of local government services and school obligations. We are grateful for their cooperation.
Parks (Township, County and State) Governor Murphy signed Executive Order 133 opening, with restrictions, state parks, forests and golf courses effective Saturday at 6am. The parking lots will be allowed to reach only 50% capacity, while playgrounds, restrooms, pavilions and visitor centers will remain closed. Picnics and team sports are not permitted.
Monmouth County – The Executive Order left the decision to the counties as to whether they wish to open county parks. Monmouth County will reopen their parks and golf courses with strict social distancing requirements and reduced parking. Visit the county parks website at https://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/ for details.
Marlboro Township – Municipal Parks have always been left to the discretion of local government, and Marlboro parks continue to be open for “passive recreation”. Playgrounds and courts are closed and have been roped off to restrict access. Team sports and field games which encourage close contact are prohibited.
Bulk Pickup/Spring Cleanup – As announced previously, due to the COVID-19 State of Emergency restrictions, the Spring Curbside Bulk pickup was delayed. Following conversations with the contractor, the collection is expected to be rescheduled for late spring and the schedule by zone will be announced mid-May. To ensure the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists and to prevent flooding, no bulk items may be curbside at this time. The new dates will be sent to residents via email, posted on the website, social media, and sent via SWIFT 911. For more on recycling guidelines, please refer to the Recycling Calendar on line HERE.
Brush Only Collection - Curbside brush only collection has begun by zone. Leaf collection is complete and bagged or piled leaves must be removed from the curb by a private contractor or brought to the recycling center. To review brush collection guidelines and your zone’s collection date, please review page 12 of the recycling calendar HERE. A reminder that when brush collection is complete, no lawn debris may be curbside as we begin the summer road program.
Questions regarding curbside lawn debris, bulk pickup, or the recycling center should be directed to 732- 536-9295 or email
I am taping earlier in the day, so I am reporting testing statistics from yesterday. The good news is that we continue flatten the curve and the doubling continues to slow. In New Jersey there were 2,633 new positive test results for a statewide total of 118,652. Monmouth County has 5,907 total cases with 380 cases in Marlboro. Following two weeks of decreased positives, for the week ending April 29, Marlboro saw an 8% increase in positives test results.
This weekend is expected to be beautiful and it is important to get out and enjoy the fresh air and the many acres of open space Monmouth County enjoys. Please do not congregate, wear masks when social distancing is not possible and follow the rules so that the parks can remain open as we head into spring and summer.
Have a great weekend.
Mayor Jon Hornik