The Alternative Press

Given the deluge of tax appeals since the 29% tax increase in 2011, it seems the residents of Paterson have already taken it upon themselves to conduct a de-facto revaluation. So, instead of hiring a revaluation company to come in at a cost of $2.1 Million, why not speed the current ad-hoc process and encourage homeowners to appeal?  This will save the city a bundle. I remember Certified Valuations,Inc's efforts at a revaluation several years ago, (shockingly bad, how do you correctly assess the value of a property simply by driving past it?)  I can't imagine the new company if hired would do any better.

At the same time do as Councilman Rooney has advocated and invest in new software to make automatic adjustments to property values and you'll save millions by never having to hire a revaluation company ever again.  Other municipalities have this software, why not us?  Lets get a grant from the Feds.  

For the time being, give Mr Parmelli more temporary staff to handle the surge in appeals. Adding a few more folks to process the paperwork and purchasing new software for the future has to be WAY cheaper than dropping $2.1 Million.

By the way, I like Charles Parmelli.   He's a good dude doing a very difficult job. 

Warmly,

Michael Symonds