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Free Tax Preparation Program

The City of Linden Department of Social Services announces that United Way has a Free Tax Preparation Program.

  • Click here to access the tax preparation web page from United Way.
  • The United Way online portal will open on February 1st for people to upload their documents.
  • The return will be prepared by their volunteers and sent back to the client via encrypted email and then reviewed over Zoom before filing. Call United Way at 973-993-1160 x521 with questions and/or to schedule appointments. United Way also offers free self-preparation software for those who want to file their own taxes.
  • Click here to view and/or download the flyer for this program in both English and Spanish.

Utility Assistance Information from Elizabethtown Gas

As winter approaches and households start to receive higher heating bills, know that programs exist to help with utility costs.  There have been updates to assistance programs and income guidelines. Some changes include a higher monthly maximum benefit amount of $180 and changes to the USF Fresh Start program, which may forgive your current outstanding balance.

On October 1, 2021, Utility Assistance programs were expanded for a two-year period to better assist those impacted by the continuing pandemic. Income guidelines for assistance programs have been increased to allow more households to be eligible. For example, a family of 4 can make up to $106,000 and be eligible to receive assistance. In some cases, entire past due balances may be erased. Information on all available programs can be found here.

This Energy Assistance Fact Sheet provides contact information for agencies that can provide more detailed information and program applications. Additionally, all programs have an online application, where applicants may apply for assistance without leaving their home. Additionally, representatives from Elizabethtown Gas are available to speak about conservation measures and energy assistance by request. 

New Jersey American Water Plans For Temporary Treatment Change in Water Treatment Plants Serving Central and Northern Parts of the State

As part of an annual maintenance program for its water distribution system, New Jersey American Water will temporarily change the water treatment process from a chloramine (combined) residual to free chlorine residual at the company’s Raritan-Millstone and Canal Road Water Treatment plants. These surface water treatment plants serve New Jersey American Water customers in the following counties: Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset and Union.

“This periodic, scheduled change in disinfectant is a standard water treatment practice that allows us to continue to provide safe, high-quality water for our customers,” said Matthew Csik, Director of Water Quality and Environmental Compliance, New Jersey American Water. “We perform this distribution system maintenance program every year as an added measure to further disinfect the pipelines in our distribution system.”

The temporary treatment process will begin the week of February 7, 2022 and continue until the end of April 2022. During this period, some customers may notice a slight taste and smell of chlorine in their water. This is normal and will only be temporary until the system maintenance is complete. Customers who wish to reduce the taste of chlorine can place water in an uncovered glass container in the refrigerator overnight to dissipate chlorine faster.

“We will continue to monitor water quality in the system to continue to provide service that meets or is better than federal and state drinking water standards,” Csik said.

New Jersey American Water has used chloramines in its water treatment process since the 1970s. For more information, visit newjerseyamwater.com. In addition, due to ongoing water treatment plant upgrades at the Raritan-Millstone Water Treatment Plant, New Jersey American Water has temporarily shut down the fluoridation system. The company anticipates that fluoridation will resume by the end of this year. Fluoride is considered a drinking water additive and the temporary absence will have no impact to the quality of your water. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com, under Water Quality, select Fluoride.

COVID-19 Sunday Vaccinations

Mayor Derek Armstead has partnered with St. Georges Family & Specialty Pharmacies to provide COVID-19 vaccinations. Walkups permitted, but you must first fill out the registration form online by clicking here.

Informational Meeting on February 16th for the NJ Civil Service Commission Police Entrance Exam on February 28th

The Linden Police Department will be hosting an informational meeting at the Linden Public Library on February 16th @ 5:30pm.

Officers will be on hand to answer any questions a potential applicant might have about eligibility, background investigations, physical requirements, and training. For anyone interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement, our goal is to make sure you know exactly what to expect throughout the process. Register for the event by clicking here!

The application deadline for NJ Civil Service Commission Police Entrance Exam is February 28th.