Shopping in Voorhees could earn residents money toward property taxes
Imagine a shopping trip to a Voorhees business that could earn you money toward your taxes.
Voorhees Township Committee approved a resolution supporting a property tax rewards program as a part of the township’s slogan, “Live Voorhees. Shop Voorhees.”
According to township manager Larry Spellman, the township is exploring the program to entice residents to shop at a Voorhees business.
“We are still doing the evaluation and figuring out how it works,” he said.
This is a rewards program for of businesses that participate in Voorhees that participate in the program.
“The rewards program will be linked to the tax bill at the end of the year based on how much the business want to reward,” economic development manager Mike Marchitto said.
Residents would use a rewards card when making a purchase at a participating store, but businesses that participate will be the only locations residents could use the card, Spellman said.
Although the township has yet to finalize the plan, the beginning stages of the program will form shortly.
Spellman said the Economic Development Committee (EDC) and the committee members are working together to cover all possible questions that may arise after the program is initiated.
“It’s not put to bed yet,” Marchitto said, adding a contract has yet to be signed with a company.
Businesses that sign up for the program will pay a nominal fee to participate.
Marchitto said the idea behind the program would benefit the residents of Voorhees and the businesses.
“We are trying to keep business in town, help our merchants and allow the Voorhees residents, including people who live in apartments and condos, [to shop local]. We encourage them to shop in Voorhees,” Marchitto said.
Deputy Mayor Harry Platt is liaison to the EDC. Platt said the committee and EDC members would work together to get the program started.
“It’s a great program. We are going to champion it. It’s a program to help people remember to shop local and shop Voorhees,” Platt said.
“Bottom line is this is going to be something that is great for everybody,” Marchitto said.
