Why are Property Taxes So High in North Arlington?
Who is Responsible?
North Arlington – Property taxes in North Arlington, NJ, are notably high due to a combination of local government spending, property assessments, and the allocation of tax revenue across various entities.
Key Factors Driving High Property Taxes:
Local Government Spending
The Borough Council, led by Mayor Dan Pronti (R), has been criticized for approving budgets that increase municipal spending, thereby raising property taxes.
Critics argue that the local government’s decisions contribute significantly to the tax burden.
Property Assessments:
North Arlington conducts regular property reassessments to ensure that property values reflect current market conditions. While this practice aims to maintain “fairness,” it can lead to higher assessed values, which in turn increase property taxes.
The 2025 reassessment, for instance, involved mailing value letters to property owners, with an opportunity to discuss assessments within five business days.
Tax Allocation:
Property taxes in North Arlington fund various entities, including the local municipal government, the North Arlington School District, and Bergen County.
Each of these entities sets its budget and tax rate, contributing to the overall property tax rate.
While the municipal tax rate in North Arlington is 2.442%, the effective tax rate, which considers the average home value, is approximately 2.57%.
Who Is Responsible?
Responsibility for high property taxes in North Arlington is shared among several entities:
The Borough Council and Mayor are responsible for approving municipal budgets and spending, which directly impact property tax rates.
Specifically, the following individuals voted “yes” to raise property taxes in North Arlington:
Brian Fitzhenry
Lynette Cavadas
Mario Karcic
Allison Sheedy
Kirk Del Russo (Incumbent seeking reelection)
Donna Bocchino
(Mayor Dan Pronti does not vote unless in case of a tie but supported last year’s tax increase, he claims was small. The Borough Council also voted themselves a pay hike for the fifth consecutive time).
The Tax Assessor’s Office conducts property assessments, which determine the taxable value of properties. Recent reassessments have led to increased property values, thereby raising taxes.
What You Can Do?
Appeal Your Assessment:
If you believe your property has been over-assessed, you can file an appeal with the Bergen County Board of Taxation. The Tax Assessor’s Office can provide guidance on this process.
Engage with Local Government: Attend Borough Council meetings to voice concerns and stay informed about budget decisions that affect property taxes.
Call (201) 991-6060 for more detailed information.
Explore Tax Relief Programs:
New Jersey offers property tax relief programs for eligible residents, including seniors, veterans, and disabled persons. The Tax Collector’s Office can provide information on these programs.
Understanding the factors that contribute to high property taxes in North Arlington and actively engaging with local government can help residents navigate and potentially mitigate their tax burdens.
By electing Democrats and ending this all-Republican monopoly (no Democrat has won in 9 years) will create an environment of discussion and debate versus Dan Pronti dictating his high property tax policies onto a council that is afraid to challenge this part-time mayor, real estate agent’s domination over the governing body.