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Brooklawn council debates property reassessment; some members urge postponement
Summary
Council considered a resolution authorizing the tax assessor to begin a boroughwide reassessment to bring valuations to 100% of equalized value; the assessor outlined typical effects and costs, while other members urged delaying a revaluation given recent rate and utility increases.
Council reviewed a resolution authorizing the borough assessor to begin a reassessment intended to bring property assessments in line with equalized values (officials cited the borough is currently around 60–65% of equalization and would move toward 100% after reassessment). The assessor explained that a reassessment reallocates who pays what portion of the fixed municipal levy but does not change the total tax revenue the borough collects.
The assessor (identified in discussion as Jim) described typical outcomes — historically about a third of properties rise, a third remain similar and a third fall — and flagged the need to hire an experienced vendor to avoid errors and potential legal challenges. A cost figure of roughly $887,000 was presented as an example of what a reassessment could entail.
Several council members said the borough should delay a major reassessment because residents have recently faced water-rate increases and other economic pressures. One council member urged holding off until a calmer fiscal year. The council did not record a final vote to launch a reassessment during the meeting; staff and councilors indicated they would continue to evaluate timing, public-education needs and vendor selection before taking formal action.
