Tax Assessor

 The assessor occupies a unique position within the framework of local government. Assessors, though selected and appointed by municipal officials, are public officers whose duties are imposed by and defined in State law. When assessing property for taxation, the assessor performs a governmental function as an agent of the Legislature. The assessor is subject to certain local requirements and to supervision at both the County and State levels of government. 

New jersey's real property tax is ad valorem or a tax "according to value." The New Jersey Constitution requires real property to be assessed at the "same standard of value." New Jersey Statutes at N.J.S.A. 45:4-23 establish the standard to be the "full and fair value" or "true value." True value represents the fair market value of the property or the price for which it would sell in an arms-length transaction between a willing buyer and willing seller. More information on how property is valued for property tax purposes can be found here: Tax Assessment PDF

The responsibilities of the Assessor's Office include maintaining various data on all properties located in the City. This information includes, ownership, mailing address, location, year built, lot sizes, and characteristics of the structure. The Assessor's Office adjusts assessments accordingly, due to changes, such as demolitions, appeals, subdivisions, or improvements. In addition, the Assessor along with his staff reviews all property transfers and updates these records. The Assessor's Office also provides applications for and answers questions about state mandated property tax deduction programs.