Community Forum on Reassessment

The Village of Ridgewood convened a community forum on April 1, 2026, to address the mandated reassessment of all real properties, a process initiated by the Bergen County Board of Taxation to align property values with current market rates for the 2027 tax year. Village Manager Keith Kasmarek emphasized that this reassessment is revenue-neutral, aiming to redistribute the tax burden rather than increase overall tax collection, noting the significant market changes since the last revaluation in 2008 and reassessment in 2012. Representatives from Appraisal Systems, Robert Brescia and Michael Coplin, detailed the seven-step reassessment process, explaining how taxes are calculated and providing examples of potential impacts on individual tax bills. They also addressed resident concerns regarding inspection procedures, privacy, and liability, assuring them of inspector training and safety protocols in coordination with the Ridgewood Police Department. Throughout the forum, residents raised numerous questions concerning the practicalities and fairness of the reassessment. Key concerns included the scheduling of property inspections, the relationship between appraised, assessed, and market values, and the calculation of the tax rate. Residents also inquired about how specific property features, such as renovations, kitchens, central air, generators, and flood plain status, would affect their assessments. The council and Appraisal Systems representatives responded by explaining the necessity of mass appraisals for efficiency, clarifying valuation methodologies, and detailing the timeline for notifications and informal hearings. They stressed that the current assessments are outdated and inequitable, making this reassessment crucial for fairness. Mayor Paul Vagianos and Assessor William Palumbo reinforced the message of revenue neutrality and the importance of the reassessment as the primary avenue for equity, given the challenges of appealing current, outdated assessments. Discussions also touched upon senior tax programs, with the assessor's office confirming they maintain relevant documentation. The council encouraged residents to review their property record cards once available to ensure accuracy and to communicate any special circumstances. The overall sentiment from the village leadership was one of transparency and a commitment to a fair and accurate reassessment process for all property owners in Ridgewood.