TOMS RIVER, NJ – Since finding out their property taxes were rising as much as 50%, residents of Toms River’s Holiday City Silverton had no recourse with local officials. Toms River Mayor Maurice Hill repeatedly claim the situation was out of his control.
When asked at a town council meeting by Councilman Dan Rodrick to provide the residents of Holiday City some form of relief with the property assessment company hired by Hill, the mayor said it would be “illegal” for him to interfere.
Please for help also fell on deaf ears with Council President Kevin Geoghegan. At a recent town council meeting, Geoghegan delivered harsh words to the senior citizens of Holiday City.
“In life, you pay taxes and you die,” Geoghegan said. “It is what it is.”
Related: It is what it is, Toms River Council President says after seniors hit with 40% tax hike
Geoghegan said the residents of Holiday City have not historically paid their fair share of taxes and the latest reassessment brought their taxes in line with the rest of the township.
Now, after weeks of complaints, Hill sent a letter to the community offering them to meet with the mayor in a town hall format.
Hill will host a town hall meeting at the Toms River Senior Center on Friday, March 4th at 9:00 am. Instead of helping residents work with his appraiser, Hill will be explaining how to file a tax appeal, apply for a senior tax freeze and says he will provide “accurate” information directly to residents.
“To RSVP or request transportation please email gallagher@tomsrivertownship.com or call 732-341-1000 ext 8469,” said Art Gallagher, confidential secretary to Mo Hill. Gallagher was hired by Hill in January to produce press releases and take photo op pictures of Hill at an $89,000 annual salary.