September 29, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 15 and Council agrees to tax revaluation in 2011 by John Koster The Allendale Council tentatively approved plans for a tax revaluation in the borough that will begin this autumn, will feature interior house inspections next year, and will be reflected in the tax bills in 2012. Allendale’s residential real estate is now assessed at 71.75 percent of average market value, Tax Assessor Angela Mattiace told the council last week, and the last revaluation took place in 2001-02. 9-29-10 janine Council members, supported by Mattiace, had requested that a revaluation be waived in several past AllendaleFestCarShowBannersRIGHT(9-29-10) years because the plunge in real estate values had 10 x 1 impacted Allendale and everywhere else. They now believe that prices have finally stabilized. “We’ve gotten more extensions than anybody has ever gotten,” Allendale Mayor Vince Barra began. “…in the history of Bergen County,” Mattiace added. “That’s a real figure, and I’m proud of it.” Mattiace told the council, however, that it was now high time for a revaluation to stay current with property values as the second decade of the 21st century arrives. “The numbers have definitely changed,” she said. “The assessment will be higher than what it is presently, but at this point it would be too early to give an actual rate.” Mattiace said that 145 recent sales of Allendale houses have provided enough figures to allow a fair market comparison. The firm of Appraisal Systems has already tendered a bid of $159,255 for the borough-wide revaluation, and Mattiace and Council Member Elizabeth White both recommended that this company be retained. The fee for the job, they both noted, is approximately what it was 10 years ago, and since the agreement is for a professional services contract, competitive bidding is not mandatory. Mayor Barra said that letting the inspectors in when they show up after sending cards and making appointments is not strictly mandatory for residents, but it is a good idea in economic terms. “When people don’t allow an inspection, they generally end up with a higher evaluation?” Barra asked. “You don’t have to let people in, but it would behoove Car Show SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2ND you to let us in,” Mattiace responded. She said that the tendency was to assume that the house interior stood at maximum value if the homeowner did not want an internal inspection, and the inspector would evaluate the house accordingly. Last week, the council informally agreed on a timetable. The tax revaluation will be approved by a resolution at the next public meeting, the money for the appraisal firm will be set aside, and exterior measurements will be taken to facilitate the interior inspections that will take place next year. People who have formal tea services they do not need may wish to donate them to the new tea room being organized to help raise funds and consciousness for the restoration of the John Fell House in Allendale. The Tea Committee is requesting tea cups, saucers, dishes, trays, flatware, tea trolleys, folding tables, and chairs. “Anything you may have that could be appropriate for a tea service,” Diane Knispel explained. “Items that may be sitting in the back of your cupboards and closets can now come out and be used to help a good cause.” The Friends of the John Fell House were able to purchase the venerable 1750s mansion with state and county grant money and donated funds, and are now attracting additional money and volunteers to restore the house. John Fell was a Revolutionary War Patriot and sup- Committee plans tea room at Fell House porter of American independence in the 1770s. He was arrested at his house in Allendale and imprisoned by the British in April of 1777 after winning a reputation as a loyal supporter of Congress during the early years of the Revolutionary War. He was freed after an exchange of prisoners in January of 1778 and paroled in May of that year. Fell was elected to the Second Continental Congress, which governed the new United States and served from December of 1778 to November of 1780. He was noted for his integrity, good attendance, and abstinence from partisan feuds. Fell also served in the government of the State of New Jersey during the later years of the war. He ultimately relocated to lower New York State and helped win ratification of the United States Constitution. 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