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Administration

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1. Where do I send my application and/or resume for a job posting?

A Borough application form must be submitted along with your resume to:
221 S. Fifth Ave.
Highland Park, NJ 08904

Please call our office at (732) 819-3780 with any additional questions. Employment Application

2. What positions are currently available?

Available jobs are posted on the main bulletin board in Borough Hall and are also posted on this website.

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Code Enforcement

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1. What type of work on my home requires a Construction Permit?

A construction permit is required for any new construction as well as for work on the existing buildings including:

• Structural
• Plumbing
• Mechanical
• Electrical

There are some exceptions to the general permit requirements. For example, construction permits are not required for ordinary maintenance, which includes routine repairs. For additional information contact the Code Enforcement office at (732) 777-6013.

2. Could you recommend a contractor?

We are unable to recommend or guide consumers in their choice of a contractor because of our legal obligation as Licensed Code Enforcement Professionals.

3. How long will it take to get my permit?

If your construction permit requires a zoning permit, the Zoning Officer has 10 days to complete his review. A construction permits must be reviewed within 20 days. If more information is required for any of these reviews, the process starts over as soon as the required information is received.

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Community Services

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1. How do I become a volunteer?

To become a volunteer you must complete and return the volunteer application to the Community Services office at:
220 S. Sixth Ave.
Highland Park, NJ 08904

Applications can be picked up at our office or printed online.

2. How do I arrange for Senior transportation?

The Community Services department offers transportation for seniors for in- and out-of-town trips. For additional information contact us at (732) 819-0052 or view the Transportation Information Guide.

3. What is the cost for a Senior Center Membership?

For Highland Park residents there is no cost for membership (fees may be charged for special trips and programs). For out of town members the fee is $75 / year.

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Finance

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1. When will I receive payment after I submit a voucher?

All vouchers are submitted to the Borough Council for approval at each Council meeting. Once approved, the checks are mailed on the following Friday.

2. How do I obtain a Business Registration form?

Forms are issued by the New Jersey Department of the Treasury, and you will need to file with the State Department of Revenue. New Jersey Division of Pensions

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Municipal Court

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1. Can I plead guilty by payment through the Violations Bureau?

A court appearance is always required in criminal matters; however non-criminal matters such as traffic, boating, fish and game parks and forests violations can often be paid through the mail or at the court office. If you wish to plead guilty and give up your right to a hearing for such a violation, you may do so provided the "court appearance required" box has not been checked onthe ticket and provided the charge is listed on the Statewide Violations Bureau Schedule. If the penalty does not appearon the Statewide Violations Bureau Schedule or personal injury is involved, a court appearance is required.

To dispose of your case, you may bring or mail it, together with payment in the correct amount, to the Violations Bureau at the address found on the ticket. You may also pay on-line at NJMCDirect.com. Payments received after the appearance date may be assessed additional penalties. Failure to pay a traffic ticket will result in a suspension of your driving priviledges and the issuance of a warrant.

If you have posted bail on a payable ticket, you may contact the court about a ball waiver. That means your bail can be applied to the fines, costs and contempt penalties you owe, eliminating the need to appear in court.

2. When is a court appearance required?

A court appearance is always required for criminal matters (assault, shoplifting, harassment, drug charges). In traffic or other matters, if "court appearance required" is checked on the ticket, you must appear in court on the date and time indicated even if you wish to plead guilty. If "court appearance required" is not checked on the traffic ticket, you must still appear in court if:
- You wish to plead not guilty and have a trial.
- The charge is not listed on the Statewide Violations Bureau Schedule (it cannot be paid by mail or in the court office)
- Personal injury is involved

3. How do I enter a plea of not guilty in a traffic case?

If you intend to plead not guilty to the offense charged on the ticket and you want to have a trial, you must notify the court of your intention to appear at least seven (7) days prior to your scheduled court date (address and other instructions can be found on the back of your summons). If you fail to notify the court, it may be necessary for you to make two court appearances because the Prosecutor may not be prepared for trial. In cases where the ticket could have been paid by mail, the Judge has the discretion to impose a higher fine and court cost after a trial and in certain cases, he/she can suspend your driving priviledges

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Outreach Services

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1. What are the home care options if I need extra help at home?

Home care can be provided through private home care agencies. You can also apply for free or low cost programs, such as McMAP, JACC and Global Options.

2. I cannot afford my Medicare Part B premium. Is there any assistance available to help pay for this?

Yes. You may apply for SMLB if you meet the eligibility criteria. Contact PAAD for an application. Alternatively, you may call the Outreach Coordinator.

3. The cost of utilities like telephone, and electric is increasing yearly. Is there help or People on fixed incomes like me?

You may be eligible for such programs as USF / Heap and lifeline to help pay a percentage of your utility bills. Please call the Outreach Coordinator for help in applying.

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Public Works

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1. When is bulk trash pickup?

Please see Public Works Page for complete schedule. More...

2. When are leaves picked up?

Leaf recycling occurs November and December of each year. Leaf bags are traditionally distributed around Columbus Day. Starting November 1, place leaf bags out at the curb by Monday morning and they will be collected during the course of the week.

3. Why wasn't my garbage / recycling picked up?

The most common reason is due to weight, but there are other reasons: You may have had garbage in your recycling or recycling in your garbage. You may have had an unacceptable material. It is suggested you contact the Public Works Department for additional information at (732) 247-9379.

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Recreation

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1. Artificial Turf and Infections

Click on the detailed link below for additional information More Information....

2. What are the recommendations for heat safety on artificial turf on athletic fields?

Click on the detailed link below for additional information More...

3. What are the requirements for coaches?

The Borough requires that all coaches complete an application and background check form. The background check is required once per year.

Head coaches may register one child for free.

4. How do I register for a recreation program?

Print out the Registration Form, complete all necessary information and submit with a check or money order to:
Department of Community Services
220 S. Sixth Ave.
Highland Park, NJ 08904

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Recycling

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1. Why wasn't my recycling picked up?

Your container was too heavy or there were items in the container that were not recyclable. You may want to contact the the Recycling Department for additional information at (732) 247-9379.

2. Where do we bring batteries for recycling?

The county will accept rechargeable and button batteries only. Alkaline batteries are to be disposed of with regular garbage. View information on recycling in New Jersey.

3. Is my recycling really being recycled?

It is New Jersey Law that recycling cannot be disposed of in a landfill. The materials are taken to a recycling facility in Middlesex County. The facility is a New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection certified "Class A" recycling center.

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Tax Assessor

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1. What is "assessed value"?

The Assessor assigns a value to each property for tax purposes based upon its market value. The market value is the highest price a property can be sold for on the open market as of 10/1 of the pretax year.

2. How is my assessed value determined?

The assessed value of a property is determined by looking at the:

• Cost to reproduce the structure new, minus depreciation (any loss in value due to age, economic conditions, etc.), plus land value


• Value of the property in comparison to similar properties that have sold


• Value of the rental on income producing properties

3. What are the factors that affect my property assessment?

• Location and size of the lot
• Size and age of stucture
• Number of baths
• Basement area (finished / unfinished)
• Overall condition of property
• Accessory buildings (sheds, cabanas, detached garages)
• Inground pool / decks / patios

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Tax Collection

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1. Where do can I find information for the Tax Freeze Programs?

The Tax Freeze Program is a State program. You can call (800) 882-6597 or view General Tax Information.

2. When do I receive my new tax bill?

Tax bills are mailed after the adoption of the current year's budget (usually in the month of August).

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Water & Sewer

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1. Is there fluoride in the water?

No, there is not fluoride in the water.

2. When are the water bills printed?

Water bills are printed four times a year:

• February
• May
• August
• November