ASSESSOR

The constitution authorizes an annual property tax deduction from the property taxes levied on a dwelling house owned and occupied by a qualified senior citizen, a person who is 65 years of age or older, a person who is less than 65 years of age but is permanently and totally disabled or a person who is a qualified surviving spouse of either a senior citizen or a disabled person.

To qualify as a senior citizen, disabled person or a surviving spouse, you must: be a citizen of New Jersey, own and occupy your dwelling or have a life estate and have an income not to exceed $10,000 exclusive of Social security or a comparable governmental retirement or disability program not to exceed the equivalency under social security. The State constitution also provides for a tax deduction for qualified war veterans and/or their surviving spouse. To qualify the veteran must have served during a designated time of war and have received an honorable discharge.

These Constitutional authorizations are administered by the assessor. For those individuals who feel they may qualify, the assessor should be contacted for the necessary forms.

The total assessed valuation for 1996 will be $2,572,301,735, a decrease of $14,465,876 from the 1995 assessed valuation of $2,5 86,767,61 1.

BUILDING

The Building Department issued 1,798 permits in 1995 with a construction value of $20,391,286, compared to 1,815 permits in 1994 with a construction value of $27,068,325.

The Township has received a total of $321,471 in revenue, and the department personnel performed 4,153 inspections from the following Building Department Activities:

The Building Department has continued in its efforts to increase the efficiency of departmental operations and permit procedures. New computer software neared completion, as well as the plans for networking of the Building Department's computers with other Township departments. This new configuration will allow the timely collection and exchange of information.

Another major effort begun in 1995 was the establishment of a centralized records management facility. All historical records of the Building Department will be organized for ease of access for future reference. This task will be a continuing project through the coming year.

During 1995 several major construction projects were finished or continued towards completion. The Township's new Police Building has been completed and is in operation. Work on the Roemer Synagogue is continuing. This proposed 36,000 square foot building is scheduled for completion during 1996. Givaudan-Roure, located on Windsor Road, is progressing with its addition and renovation of office and laboratory facilities. They, too, are scheduled for completion during 1996. Housing Development Corporation of Bergen County (Affordable Housing) has completed its project on American Legion Drive which is now fully occupied.

Significant projects scheduled to begin Construction during 1996 are the expansion of both the First Baptist Church located on Teaneck Road and the Congregation B'Nai Yeshurun Synagogue located on West Englewood Avenue.

During 1995 the Zoning Board of Adjustment processed 52 applications and collected fees totaling $14,030.00. The Planning Board processed 66 applications and collected fees totaling $4,880.00. Major applications heard by the Boards during 1995 included site plan approval for a shopping mini-mall at 1247 Teaneck Road, expansion of First Baptist Church of Teaneck, and addition and alterations at St. Anastasia's Church.

COURT

The Municipal Court remains part of the statewide Automated Traffic System (ATS), and we expect to be part of the Automated Criminal Complaint System (CCS) in the spring of 1996. Our original request for inclusion in CCS was made in July 1993, but the state has delayed implementation. Under both of these systems, failure to pay a fine within eight weeks of the court date will result in automatic suspension of the offender's license by the New Jersey Department of Motor Vehicles until the fine is paid.

On August 17, 1995, the Superior Court advised that Bergen County had been authorized to phase out the operation of county court for offenses that could be heard in the concurrent municipal court jurisdiction.

On or after September 4, 1995, all such complaints filed by the Bergen County Police or Sheriffs Department will be heard in the municipal court of the municipality where the offense occurred. In addition, County police traffic and parking, tickets will be returnable in Municipal Court beginning early in 1996. The changes will add to the burden of our Municipal Court without additional state or county aid.

Municipal court revenues of $753,262.39 were collected in 1995. Of that total, $430,132.05 was remitted to the Township including backlog revenues of $3,325. The balance in revenues collected of $323,130.34 was transferred to other agencies, primarily the State Director of Motor Vehicles and the County of Bergen.