Resident says erroneous records and assessment led to back taxes; city staff to follow up

A Somers Point homeowner raised concerns during public comment about incorrect information in her property records that she says led to higher taxes and a contested assessment.

Therese McCormick, who gave her address as 209 Gibbs, said she bought her house in March 2023 and soon received a notice alleging an unpermitted EV outlet and later an increased tax assessment she believes was based on erroneous records. McCormick said she asked staff to pursue the issue with the prior owner and was told verbally that the city would do so, but she did not receive that confirmation in writing. She said staff member Sean Gaskill told her the tax increase related to an unpermitted addition and advised her to pay the amount or face fines and interest.

McCormick said she paid the tax bill under protest and filed an appeal. She said the appeals hearing did not resolve the matter to her satisfaction and that she found prior records dating back to 2016 showing no unpermitted work on the property. She asked the council how false documents could appear in her property file and expressed concern that the notation could damage future sales.

City Solicitor Smith acknowledged he had been involved and said, “I did, and I went to court,” indicating the matter had been handled in part through the municipal process. The council did not take formal action during the meeting but the mayor and staff offered to follow up with McCormick after the session. The resident said she would provide contact information and requested a written response.

McCormick did not specify dollar amounts for the taxes or the dates of the appeals; she said she paid the assessed amounts to avoid penalties but is seeking a written correction to her property record. Council staff said they would follow up with her outside the meeting and document the staff response in writing.