City Solicitor Smith informed the Somers Point City Council that an agreement dating to September 2019 reduced a tax obligation on a property by approximately $45,000 to enable renovation. Under the terms of that agreement, if the purchaser failed to meet the one-year completion requirement, the $45,000 reduction would be reinstated as a lien on the property.

Solicitor Smith told the council he would notify the property owner and the attorney listed in the agreement and recommended the city consider passing a resolution authorizing the tax collector to place the lien if there is no satisfactory response. Smith said he had not yet checked whether taxes are currently being paid and recommended staff reach out before taking final action.

Council members asked staff to contact the property owner first to determine intentions and any extenuating circumstances before any resolution is drafted. Council consensus was to attempt outreach, then proceed based on the response.

No final resolution to reinstate the lien was passed at the meeting; the council directed the solicitor to notify the owner and report back.