§ 1448-h. Imposition of tax. Notwithstanding any other provisions of
law to the contrary, the county of Essex, acting through its local
legislative body, is hereby authorized and empowered to adopt and amend
local laws imposing in such county a tax on each conveyance of real
property or interest therein when the consideration exceeds five hundred
dollars, at the rate of one dollar for each five hundred dollars or
fractional part thereof. Such local law shall apply to any conveyance
occurring on or after the first day of a month to be designated by such
legislative body, which is not less than sixty days after the enactment
of such local laws, but shall not apply to conveyances made on or after
such date pursuant to binding written contracts entered into prior to
such date, provided that the date of execution of such contract is
confirmed by independent evidence such as the recording of the contract,
payment of a deposit or other facts and circumstances as determined by
the treasurer.