$38K in Property Tax Payments Missing in Cliffside Park: Borough Ends Cash Transactions

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Cliffside park NJ, a total of $38,886 in cash property tax payments has gone missing from the Cliffside Park Borough Tax Office, sparking a police investigation and leading to a significant policy change: the borough will no longer accept cash for property tax payments.

The missing funds, which were paid in person by at least ten property owners during the second quarter of 2024, were only discovered after those same residents returned to pay their third-quarter bills — only to be told their previous payments had not been recorded.

Investigation Underway, Prosecutor’s Office Involved

The missing payments were first flagged in August 2024 by Frank Berardo, the borough’s Chief Financial Officer and Tax Collector. After receiving complaints from residents, Berardo reported the issue to the Cliffside Park Police Department, which later handed the case over to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. As of now, the Prosecutor’s Office has not confirmed or denied an active investigation, citing standard policy.

Timeline of the Discovery:

• April 10, 2024: A taxpayer received a stamped receipt after paying second-quarter taxes in cash.

• August 2024: Upon returning to pay third-quarter taxes, that taxpayer was told the previous payment was never received.

• Following Week: Two more taxpayers came forward with similar issues.

• Audit Findings: A total of ten cash payments were unaccounted for, totaling $38,886.

Borough Recovers Funds Through Insurance

Despite the ongoing investigation, Cliffside Park has managed to recover $37,866 through a Travelers Insurance policy, with the borough absorbing a $1,000 deductible. The Borough Council approved the insurance payment via a recent resolution.

“The missing property tax funds have been recouped via insurance,” said Borough Spokesperson Bill Maer, who added that the borough is conducting annual audits and emphasized that no additional missing funds have been identified.

New Payment Policy: No More Cash Accepted

In response to the theft, Cliffside Park has permanently ended the acceptance of cash for property tax payments. The tax office, which includes a locked vault for secure funds, will now rely solely on checks, money orders, and digital payments to prevent future incidents.

“We have taken swift action to prevent this type of situation from happening again,” Maer said.

Key Takeaways:

• $38,886 in second-quarter property tax payments made in cash has gone missing.

• At least 10 residents affected, each provided stamped receipts.

• Case handed to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.

• Travelers Insurance reimbursed the borough for the loss.

• No additional funds found to be missing following audit.

• Cash payments permanently discontinued for property taxes.

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