WILDWOOD CREST – Borough Tax Collector Lindsey Herman has told the board of commissioners she intends to seek a resolution next year that would allow the borough to send property owners an estimated bill for third-quarter taxes.
Herman, addressing the commissioners on Wednesday, Oct. 2, said that because the county has been striking the tax rate later and later each year it is putting the borough in a tough situation. She said this year’s tax rate was provided by the county on July 30, and third-quarter taxes were due on Aug. 1.
She said the fact that the bills couldn’t go out until July 30 did not change the fact that they were due Aug. 1. The borough would like to be able to provide the third-quarter bills to property owners in the beginning of June, she said.
Herman said sending out estimated tax bills will ensure a steady revenue flow into borough coffers and eliminate the need to extend the August grace period for paying taxes. She said by law the borough can extend a grace period to 25 days from the mailing of the tax bill.
Normally, homeowners have a 10-day grace period from the Aug. 1 due date. When the bills go out so close to that date, it forces the borough to give homeowners longer to pay.
“Estimated tax bills will help people stay on schedule,” Herman said.
“We will be looking for a resolution in 2025, likely in February or March, to send estimated tax bills for the third quarter.”
Contact the reporter, Christopher South, at csouth@cmcherald.com or 609-886-8600, ext. 128.
