The state mandated that the borough have the revaluation because its assessed values have fallen to 70 percent.
By: Linda Seida
STOCKTON A revaluation of every property in the borough will begin after the July 4 holiday and extend through August.
Appraisers from the firm hired by the borough to perform the revaluation, Realty Appraisal Services of West New York, will inspect the interior and the exterior of homes and businesses.
If no one is home when they visit, they’ll hang a notice on the doorknob to notify the homeowner. They’ll do the same after a second visit.
After a third unsuccessful attempt, the company will be able to physically assess the exterior, but will assume the entire interior has been improved, Borough Council President Michael Hagerty said.
The appraisers will carry two forms of identification plus a letter from the state police. If homeowners still doubt the appraisers’ identities, they will be given a phone number to call for verification, Mr. Hagerty said.
The borough contains 260 units that must be inspected by the end of August. Houses account for 206. The rest are state properties or businesses.
The revaluation was ordered by the county in 2004 because Stockton’s ratio of selling prices to assessed values fell into the range of 70 percent. The goal of a revaluation is to bring the ratio to 100 percent.
Stockton has not had a revaluation in almost 20 years, officials have estimated. Property owners who have questions about the revaluation can call the company at (800) 841-6740.