HILLSBOROUGH:‘Shop Hillsborough’ program moves forward

By Gene Robbins, Managing Editor Hillsborough Beacon
Published on Friday, June 6, 2014 2:47 PM EDT

Residents should expect to receive a Shop Hillsborough discount card with their new property tax bills late in July.

It’s appropriate, because the card will be a key to saving a little money on property taxes.

Township Committeeman Greg Burchette said Tuesday that about 17,000 cards will be produced. Perhaps 15,000 of them will go to residents and renters. Another thousand will go to the school board for employees, with more given to businesses to hand out, and for shoppers and people who work in the township businesses to pick up.

The idea blossomed last year, but it’s taken time to garner enough sponsors for the rebate cards has been secured, Mr. Burchette said at the May 27 committee meeting.

The ‘Shop Hillsborough’ program was vetted through the Economic and Business Development Commission last year. The idea is to promote local shoppers while allowing card holders the opportunity to reduce their property tax bill.

The card will confer discounts at participating businesses, but instead of receiving the money immediately at the time of the purchase, it will accumulate in an account that reduces the participant’s property tax bill.All property addresses will receive a "Shop Hillsborough" card. In the case of a renter, a rebate check will be issued. Individuals who work in Hillsborough, but are not property owners in the township, can also secure a card to earn the rebate as well.

"Whenever I talk to people about local politics they are always talking about high their property taxes are," said Mr. Burchette. "I like to attempt to help whenever people complain and this card will do that."

The sponsors — whose name will appear on the card — include Somerset Medical Center, Active Disposal Services, Inc., Premier Disposal, Bridgewater Motorworks & Transworks, Frontier Financial Planning and Capital Management, Inc., 911 Septic Pumping and Repair and the Somerset Patriots.Participating shops won’t be printed on the card, unlike other discount cards in the township. Instead businesses and their offers will be identified on the website, and by signs and decals at the store. Mr. Burchette said at least 15 businesses will be participating at the start, and he predicted more.

He took personal time Tuesday and signed up four more businesses, he said.

The hope is that it will encourage people to think twice and perhaps change their shopping habits and business loyalties.

"This seems like a win, not only for taxpayers, but for the business community, renters and those who shop and dine in Hillsborough," said Mayor Doug Tomson.

Businesses people who would like to participate may contact Business Advocate Gene Strupinsky at the municipal complex, or at 908-369-3535, ext. 106.