PRONTI’S ROLLING TAX ASSESSMENTS ARE UNPOPULAR WITH NA HOMEOWNERS.
WHY DOESN’T THIS BOROUGH COUNCIL STANDUP FOR RESIDENTS?
JUST WHERE ARE COUNCIL MEMBERS KARCIC, FITZHENRY, SHEEDY, DEL RUSSO, CAVADAS & BOCCHINO?
WHEN WILL THEY STAND UP TO PRONTI’S POLITICAL PRESSURE TO OPPOSE THESE UNPOPULAR TAX POLICIES?
NORTH ARLINGTON – Mayor Dan Pronti (R) is the sole reason why rolling tax assessments are raising North Arlington property taxes, but he doesn’t have a vote.
For why is Pronti demanding that this unpopular tax practice continue when those most effected such as longtime residents, seniors and parents with school-age children are screaming enough is enough?
Is blaming our public schools or county government wise when it is Pronti who is demanding these ridiculous reassessments?
With massive overdevelopment continuing along Ridge Road, parking becoming scarce and traffic intolerable, this part-time mayor and full-time real estate agent is doubling down on policies that are raising property taxes!
But where is this no-name Borough Council and where do they stand?
They are casting the “yes” votes on rolling assessments with Pronti calling the shots.
They are approving every overdevelopment project that is “urbanizing” North Arlington, a policy even opposed by GOP gubernatorial hopeful Jack Ciattarelli!
For Republicans, and in particular Pronti opposes any Democrat from ever sitting on this council that would upset the apple cart of one-party government 100% of the time.
Six Republicans all saying “yes” to anything and everything Pronti demands.
Is this responsible government by a part-time mayor running the entire government unchallenged?
It’s obvious that political loyalty is far more important than responsible public policy.
For rolling tax assessments need to cease, and here’s why:
Why are rolling tax assessments opposed by homeowners in places like New Jersey?
Rolling tax assessments, where the property tax value is adjusted periodically (e.g., quarterly or annually), are often opposed by homeowners in places like North Arlington for several reasons:
Increased Uncertainty: Homeowners prefer stable property taxes, and rolling assessments can introduce uncertainty. If property values fluctuate frequently, taxes can rise unexpectedly, making it harder for homeowners to plan their finances.
Higher Property Taxes: In areas where property values are rising, rolling assessments can lead to higher property taxes. If the assessment is done quarterly or annually, a homeowner may see their tax bill increase as their property value is reassessed regularly. This can be especially burdensome for people on fixed incomes, like seniors.
Complexity and Confusion: Rolling assessments can make the tax system more complicated to understand. Homeowners may not fully grasp how often their properties are being reassessed and how that affects their tax bill. This confusion can lead to frustration and opposition.
Potential for Inconsistent Assessments: Different properties may be assessed at different times, leading to discrepancies in the tax burden. For instance, two homes might be similar in value, but if one was reassessed recently and the other wasn’t, the tax amounts may not reflect the actual comparative values of the homes.
Impact on Property Sales: A rolling tax assessment system could affect property sales. If assessments are done frequently, it may be harder for buyers and sellers to gauge how property taxes will evolve in the future, making the market less predictable.
Administrative Costs: For local governments, implementing rolling assessments can be costly and complex, requiring more resources to regularly assess properties. Some homeowners may feel that the administrative burden is an unnecessary expense, especially if they feel they’re being unfairly taxed as a result.
Lack of Transparency: Homeowners may feel that rolling assessments lack the transparency of a fixed, less frequent system. If they don’t fully understand how assessments work, they may feel they’re being unfairly taxed or that the process is not accountable.
In New Jersey specifically, where property taxes are already high compared to many other states, homeowners are particularly sensitive to any policies that could increase their tax burden, making rolling assessments a controversial issue.
The time for this Borough Council to explain themselves is now.
Time for Cavadas, Sheedy, Fitzhenry, Bocchino, Karcic and Del Russo to stand up and side with residents, not Dan Pronti.
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