A primary concern raised during the meeting was the high costs associated with property revaluations across the county’s municipalities. One commissioner highlighted that in Egg Harbor Township alone, a revaluation would cost $2.2 million, prompting worries about the collective financial impact if all towns were to undertake revaluations simultaneously. Given the historical postponement of these revaluations, there was a call for proactive measures to manage the expenses effectively.

A proposal was introduced to shift the appeal calendar for property assessments from April or May to January. This adjustment aims to resolve the current process’s inefficiencies, where tax rates are set before appeals are resolved, often leading to refunds. The commissioner advocating for this change cited a successful plan from Mammoth County and emphasized the importance of educating fellow commissioners to build support for the proposal. The county tax assessor’s approval was deemed essential for any changes to be implemented, as they hold final authority on assessments.

The conversation also touched on challenges faced by towns reliant on external companies for revaluations, addressing concerns about the quality of work from some firms. The board discussed the potential for the county to spearhead revaluation efforts, leveraging the expertise of the county tax administrator to oversee the process, and integrating technology such as aerial maps and sales data to streamline assessments.

In light of these discussions, the overarching goal remained clear: to establish a coherent strategy for property assessments that would alleviate the financial burden on municipalities while ensuring accuracy and fairness in tax valuations. The emphasis was placed on building widespread support for these initiatives, understanding that collaboration across various entities and levels of government would be required.

In addition to addressing property assessments, the board approved a contract with Brown and Brown Metro Limited Liability Company for health benefit consulting services, with a budget not to exceed $116,400. This decision came in response to anticipated increases in state health insurance rates, reported to be around 35%. The selection process involved evaluating proposals from five vendors, with Brown and Brown chosen for their local resources and positive feedback from other areas.

On a different note, the board paid tribute to the late Commissioner Corsy, who had recently passed away. Heartfelt anecdotes and personal memories were shared, highlighting Corsy’s impact both on a professional and personal level. Commissioners and community members reflected on Corsy’s ability to engage genuinely with those around him, emphasizing his mentorship and the deep connections he fostered within Atlantic County. One speaker noted, “Your name may not be on every neon sign throughout town, but your name, Earnest, has been written in the hearts of many men and women,” encapsulating the sentiment felt by many.

The meeting also included discussions on upcoming events honoring veterans. Mike Bonjouro from Egg Harbor Township announced celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, to be held at Atlantic Cape Community College. An 82-foot replica of the Vietnam War Memorial would be on display, with events planned to honor veterans and their families. The board supported these initiatives.

Further, civil rights activists raised constitutional concerns regarding the practice of filing charges without grand jury indictments in New Jersey, urging the board to investigate these practices within the sheriff’s department. This dialogue highlighted ongoing legal debates and the necessity for alignment with constitutional provisions.