New Jersey Senate Bill S1812

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/22
• Refer: 2/28/22

Caption

Permits county board of chosen freeholders to appoint interim member of county tax board under certain circumstances.

Impact

The proposed legislation amends existing statutes regarding the appointment and functioning of county tax boards. It allows for the appointment of interim members if the Governor has not filled a vacancy within 30 days, thereby preventing situations where tax boards operate with only one or two members. Consequently, this would enable uninterrupted property tax assessment and appeal processes, which are crucial for maintaining fair and timely evaluations of property taxes within the counties.

Summary

Senate Bill S1812, introduced in New Jersey, seeks to address the issue of vacancies within county tax boards by permitting county boards of chosen freeholders to appoint interim members under certain circumstances. Specifically, the bill provides a mechanism to ensure that property tax assessment and appeal processes are maintained even when there are delays in gubernatorial appointments. This change is aimed at improving the efficiency and operation of tax boards, which have been known to function with fewer members due to appointment failures by the Governor.

Contention

While the bill aims to streamline operations and address previous inefficiencies, there may be concerns regarding the balance of power between local governance and the state. Critics may argue that permitting boards of chosen freeholders to appoint interim members could lead to politicization or a lack of oversight, given that these appointments would circumvent the typical gubernatorial nomination process. Further discussions may revolve around ensuring that appointments are made transparently and that interim members possess the necessary qualifications to effectively perform their roles.