Marsha Burke

The meeting addressed correspondence from the Division of Taxation regarding NU 10 Estate Sales and SR1A part 2 usability. Old business included a review of the current balance in the Trust Account. New business focused on monthly reassessment progress reports, confirming all towns in annual reassessment are up to date. Status updates were provided for several ongoing revaluations (Raritan, North Plainfield, Montgomery, South Bound Brook, and Somerville). A reminder was issued to all Assessors regarding upcoming due dates for various forms and eSignatures for final book close. Educational items included reminders about upcoming events such as the 24th Annual Tax Appeal Seminar, the Mercer County Winter Seminar, and the NRAAO annual conference.

Somerset County's Five Point Plan commemorates the nation's 250th anniversary by focusing on preserving and interpreting local history through 2026 and beyond. Key initiatives include archaeological efforts at Lord Stirling Park, the Somerset County Docent Training Program, improvements to Washington Valley Park, the acquisition and interpretation of the Old Stone Arch Bridge, and a comprehensive 250th Interpretive Plan. These efforts aim to enhance visitor readiness, ensure the long-term sustainability of historic sites, and provide engaging, accessible programming related to the county's significant Revolutionary War history.

Key discussions included the administration of the oath of office to a newly sworn-in Commissioner. Old business involved reviewing the current balance in the Trust Account and providing a status update on an OPRA request for historical tax list data. New business featured a unanimously passed motion to order a municipal-wide revaluation for the Borough of Somerville. Other new business items concerned the distribution of the 2026 Assessor's office hours schedule, the status of annual reassessments for various towns (Raritan, North Plainfield, Montgomery, South Bound Brook), and the settlement of scheduled appeal hearings prior to their hearing dates. Public comments addressed the Borough of Somerville's cooperation regarding the new municipal revaluation timeline.

The Somerset County EV Study outlines the county's strategy to facilitate the transition to Electric Vehicles. Key initiatives include developing a roadmap for county fleet conversion, identifying and evaluating secondary EV charging corridors, and establishing public charging locations on county-owned sites. The study incorporates feedback from public meetings, surveys, and focus groups to inform recommendations for infrastructure development and addressing user needs.

The meeting included informational updates from the SADC regarding finalized Soil and Water Rules and increased interest in farmland preservation statewide. Updates were also provided on upcoming agricultural events. Discussion and action items focused on several farm matters: Axcel Farm, Naturally Nurturing, RTF Howard Farm, and Hidden Spring Lavender & Alpaca Farm, all scheduled for further discussion in closed session. The Board reviewed and adopted a new GIS monitoring application for site visits, established the 2026 meeting dates and committee assignments. Following closed session, actions included issuing violation letters to Axcel Farm landowners regarding roadway stabilization, to Mueller regarding unapproved materials on site, and to Howard Farm regarding commercial vehicles on preserved ground. A letter was also sent to Hillsborough Township and the landowner of 840 Amwell Road confirming compliance with local zoning.