The council discussed the significant increase in costs for the township’s revaluation program, from approximately one million dollars in 2019 to an estimated 1.5 million dollars currently. This program is designed to update property values and ensure that they are neither overvalued nor undervalued. The cost of the reassessment program is spread over a ten-year period, affecting 20% of the township’s residents each year.

Council Member William Higgins raised concerns about the way in which the tax burden is distributed, especially when a totally disabled person is exempt from paying taxes. He questioned whether the responsibility is shared among all residents or if it is absorbed by the township. Additionally, Higgins sought clarification on the threshold for the senior freeze act, which led to a discussion about the program’s details that aim to limit the tax burden on seniors.

This conversation dovetailed with the announcement from Peg Dy regarding a new law that increases the income threshold for the senior freeze program to $150,000. She encouraged seniors to look into the program.

During public comments, Jesse Paladini brought up concerns about the reading of the statement of compliance as required by State Statute, which typically should have been read by the clerk but was read by the presiding officer instead. Paladini also questioned specific expenditures on the bills list, like the purchase of clothing for the Recreation Department. The council clarified these purchases were made from a trust account and directed further inquiries to Mayor Anthony Rossi.

The funding source for these clothing purchases led to a dispute between Councilman Patrick Rizzuto and Mayor Rossi. Rizzuto claimed the funds came from the recreation budget, while Rossi contended they originated from the mayor’s budget. The discussion was clarified when Rizzuto admitted he referred to the recreation portion of the mayor’s budget.

Rizzuto also voiced frustration regarding delays in installing signage for the scenic byway, blaming political interference, specifically accusing Sally Rinker, the chairperson of the economic development committee, of misrepresentation. He stated that due to this interference, the state decided to put up signs only on its portion of the scenic byway, leaving the county with the responsibility for the remaining signage, which will be funded by taxpayers. Councilman Higgins expressed his support in addressing the signage issue.

Councilwoman Jessica DeBenedetto highlighted inconsistencies in her property reassessment process, drawing attention to how her bathroom was rated as “old” and her kitchen as “fair.” Rizzuto provided a detailed explanation about the impact of market value fluctuations and the county’s authority to mandate revaluation based on the ratio of assessed values to market values.

Peter N and Jesse Paladini publicly commended the DPW and first responders for their diligent work in ensuring public safety during recent snowstorms, a sentiment that was acknowledged by Council President Bradley Sparta.

The council also broached the subject of the delayed release of test results concerning the Wallace property’s contamination, prompting a discussion about the status of the report. This matter raised concerns about environmental contamination and the transparency of information related to public health.

Finally, the meeting touched upon the potential financial implications and historical context of reassessment programs, including the county’s past mandate for a revaluation in Vernon Township. A proposal was made to hold a public meeting to discuss tax reassessments, with the aim of inviting the appraisal company to answer questions from the residents.