South Plainfield council approves $1.25M to begin multi‑year property revaluation

Council members on Tuesday approved Ordinance 2367, authorizing a $1,250,000 special emergency appropriation to begin a complete revaluation of real property in South Plainfield.

The revaluation will finance field inspections, tax-map completion and other work the borough says is required before new assessments are set. Council members said the county board of taxation and state rules push municipalities to bring assessments to current market values, and that only a small number of state‑approved firms can perform the work.

"At the end of the day we still collect $100 million," said a council member during the public hearing, describing the revaluation as a reallocation of the existing tax levy rather than a net increase in municipal revenue. Council members added the process will be lengthy: officials estimated a two‑ to three‑year effort before new assessments take effect, and noted that some county scheduling could push implementation later.

During the public hearing residents asked how revaluation will interact with tax freezes and whether prior appeals will be affected. Council members said homeowners on tax‑freeze programs will remain eligible for their freeze amounts and will receive any state reimbursements as before; officials also said information sessions will be scheduled to help residents understand changes and timelines.

The ordinance was moved, seconded and adopted by roll-call vote. Council indicated the commercial tax base in parts of the borough has been the subject of appeals and may be adjusted in the revaluation, which can change how the municipal levy is apportioned among property classes.

Next steps: the borough will complete tax‑map work, issue procurement for a revaluation vendor consistent with state approval, and schedule public information sessions so residents can prepare for inspection and appeals processes.