Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Assessment Mechanics topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Assessor explains what the township counts as taxable property and how values are set
Summary
Assessor Dave Centrelli described how Bernards Township assesses "real property," the Oct. 1 statutory valuation date, the 5‑year inspection cycle (about 20% annually) and how permits and sales data change recorded values.
Assessor Dave Centrelli told residents that the assessor’s office measures and values "real property"—land and permanent improvements such as houses, decks, detached garages and pools—using a market-value standard as of the statutory assessment date of Oct. 1. "Market value is usually for builders well aware. It's got a willing buyer and a willing seller, property on an open market," he said to explain the legal valuation point used for annual reassessments.
Centrelli outlined the office’s inspection approach: the township inspects roughly 20% of parcels in a maintenance-inspection cycle so the entire jurisdiction is physically inspected over five years. He said the office adds information when permits or sales data show changes (for example, a finished basement or a new kitchen) and can make site-specific adjustments for conditions such as proximity to Route 287. For individual property questions he advised residents to bring records or meet with staff for a property-specific review.
