West Deptford Committee Holding Special Meeting on Tax Appeals

West Deptford’s will hold a special meeting Tuesday night, aiming to get settlements with Sunoco and Coastal/El Paso on tax appeals at Eagle Point set ahead of a deadline for consideration by the state next month.

At issue is $32.4 million across two settlements, which would take care of tax appeals at the former refinery property dating back to 1988, as well as set a new value for the next several years.

Committeeman Sam Cianfarini broke down the various scenarios on the appeals at Eagle Point last week, and the township’s professionals have come out in support of the settlements, which would avoid a bigger hit to the township’s pocketbook—potentially $90 million, in a worst-case scenario.

If the township committee approves both settlements, it’s also scheduled to consider the first reading of a refunding bond ordinance to pay for the deals, as well as a resolution to file an application with the state Local Finance Board for consideration at that board’s May meeting.

The deadline for those applications is Wednesday.

Also on the slate for Tuesday night are the appointment of a health insurance broker, advertising for licensed site remediation professional services and the appointment of members to the township planning board.

Action may or may not be taken on any of the items on the special meeting’s agenda. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. at the municipal building.