There is created an Assessment Commission to determine general assessments
of taxes for public improvements in the Borough, including, but not
limited to, adding new curbing and sidewalks, all in accordance with
N.J.S.A. 40:56-19 et seq.
The Assessment Commission shall consist of three residents of the
Borough, each of whom shall serve three-year terms commencing on the
first day of the year in which the appointment is made. Commissioners
shall be appointed by the Mayor with the consent of Council. No Commissioner
shall participate in determining an assessment if that Commissioner
has a direct interest in the improvement. Commissioners shall be sworn
in prior to assuming office.
Schedule a time, date and location for a hearing to be held in connection
with assessment and shall notify all owners of all real estate affected
directly by mail and by publication in the appropriate newspaper,
all pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:56-25.
Certify the amount of the assessment to the Mayor and Council by
a written report duly signed and accompanied by a map showing the
subject real estate.
The Assessment Commission shall report to the Mayor and Council as
to its determination, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:56-30, within 45 days
of the Commission being notified that assessments are required. The
Commission shall conduct a hearing before issuing its report, and
the property owners who may be assessed shall have the opportunity
to address the Assessment Commission at the hearing.
The report may be considered by the Mayor and Council at any meeting
after receipt, provided that the Borough Clerk gives at least two
weeks' prior notice, which notice shall have been posted in five
public places in the Borough; or published in a newspaper circulating
in the Borough, once in each week for two weeks prior to the meeting;
and by mailing a copy of the notice to the owner or owners named in
the report, directed to the last known post-office addresses of said
owner or owners. The affidavit of the Borough Clerk shall be conclusive
to evidence such mailing. The notice shall briefly state the object
of the meeting with reference to the assessment. At that or any subsequent
meeting, the Mayor and Council, after considering the report and map,
may adopt and confirm the report with or without alteration, as may
seem proper, and/or may refer the matter to any committee of the Council
or to the Commission for revision or correction before taking final
action.