City Performs In-house Revaluation; Marina Bay Appeals Won’t Affect Tax Rate

NORTH WILDWOOD ─ “We took the hit,” said Mayor Patrick Rosenello after the Jan. 19 morning City Council meeting. According to Rosenello, multiple cases involving Marina Bay Towers will not affect the North Wildwood tax rate as they did in 2015.
“We are moving forward,” said Rosenello. With a new year in progress and a major city project in sight, mayor and council will introduce the 2016 budget at the Feb. 16 meeting at 10 a.m.
Although the meeting was brief, two fundamental matters directly pertaining to the public were presented.
Under appointments, hiring more Public Works employees is in progress in an effort to “get levels up for staffing,” according to Rosenello.
City administrator Kevin Yecco added, “We are doing an extended reach…to recruit someone.” The candidate search is to fill a higher position within Public Works.
By reaching out through the Public Works Association, and by posting the position online, the city has continued its search. “The pay is more than competitive,” said Yecco. Two additional, full-time employees have been hired at Public Works and council unanimously passed their appointments.
Nine resolutions were passed, including the introduction of the Boardwalk Special Improvement District (SID) budget for the year.
A public hearing on the budget will be held Feb. 16 during the regularly scheduled council meeting.
A “one-year extension of shared services agreement” with SID was approved for boardwalk bathroom maintenance. Another shared services contract was given to Cape May County regarding the animal shelter. By sharing service with the county, 20 percent in savings will be accumulated by the city, according to Yecco.
A contract with TRIAD Associates for “FY2016 Allen Park improvements” was also passed. With the recent grant award for Americans with Disabilities Act compliant improvements, North Wildwood seeks to further improve Allen Park facilities.
During council comment, Rosenello announced “We are looking to introduce our budget at the Feb. 16 meeting.”
Rosenello explained that the city performed an “in-house” property revaluation throughout North Wildwood, conducted by tax assessor Jason Hesley. Rosenello assured everyone of “no drastic change” in property values; less than 10 percent will affect North Wildwood property owners.
Green cards should be mailed no later than March 15 and a one-month window for an appeal will be open until April 1.
“Certified tax assessors” will hold informal meetings for those who have questions about their property value. Letters informing residents of the revaluation will precede the green cards, thus causing the delay in green cards, according to Ron Simone.
Councilman Edwin Koehler asked if residents who winter in Florida would also be able to file an appeal.
According to Yecco, if residents have their mail forwarded, they will receive their green card as well. Although the county Board of Taxation ordered the revaluation, North Wildwood conducted its own without securing services of an outside source, saving over $1 million.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.