Newark Residents Outraged by Skyrocketing Property TaxesNewark Residents Outraged by Skyrocketing Property Taxes Newark, New Jersey residents are expressing their outrage over a staggering increase in their property taxes, which have soared to unprecedented levels, leaving many struggling to make ends meet. According to the latest municipal budget, the average property tax bill has increased by over 20% this year, a figure that has shocked and angered homeowners. Tax bills that were once manageable have now become unmanageable, forcing many families to make difficult financial choices. “I’ve lived in this house for 30 years, and I’ve never seen a tax increase like this,” said Maria Morales, a longtime resident. “I’m on a fixed income, and I don’t know how I’m going to pay for this.” The sharp increase in property taxes is largely due to rising assessments and a need to fund essential municipal services. However, many residents believe that the city has not done enough to control spending and provide relief to taxpayers. “The city keeps raising taxes, but we’re not seeing any improvement in services,” said John Smith, a homeowner who has organized a protest rally against the tax hikes. “Our roads are still bad, our schools are still underfunded, and our crime rate is still high.” The outrage over property taxes has led to a groundswell of activism in Newark. Residents are holding protests, circulating petitions, and calling on elected officials to take action. “We’re not going to stand for this anymore,” said Lisa Jones, a member of a local taxpayers’ group. “We’re going to demand accountability from the city and make sure that our tax dollars are being used wisely.” City officials have acknowledged the concerns of residents and have pledged to work on addressing the issue. However, they have also warned that reducing property taxes may require difficult choices, such as cutting municipal services or raising other forms of revenue. The battle over property taxes in Newark is set to continue, as residents fight to protect their financial well-being and demand a more responsible approach to city finances.