Vernon awards Camp Sussex appraisal contract

VERNON — The Vernon Township Council vogted to retain the services of two appraisers to assess the fair market value of Camp Sussex.

The council voted 3-2 to award contracts to Michael E. Holenstein and and Joshua D. Mackoff to be conducted in accordance with Green Acres standards. The state Land Conservancy has pledged $150,000 to Vernon Township for the purchase of Camp Sussex, provided that all Green Acres standards are met.

“We are doing this so we know what the land is worth and so we can proceed in an intelligent way.” Mayor Victor Marotta said.

Councilman Dan Kadish and Councilwoman Jean Murphy voted against the contract.

Murphy and Kadish voiced concerns on how the new assessment may affect the current tax liability on the property, which is currently unpaid. The owners have until Dec. 1 to bring the taxes current.

According to Marotta, the new appraisals would have no effect. The current owners must pay the current taxes before they can appeal the tax rate.

“If they pay their taxes they can appeal, but, they can not use our documentation. They would have to hire their own appraisers.”