They tried, but an attempt by the Novartis property’s owners to reduce their tax assessment from $41 million to $6 million has come to an end. In a joint statement, Ramapo supervisor Michael Specht and Suffern Mayor Ed Markunas said had the company won their legal battle, taxpayers would have been on the hook for $1.36 million and a property tax increase. The company wanted to lower their assessment on the 167-acre facility on Old Mill Road in Suffern, but at the same time was trying to sell it well above market value. Specht called it a huge victory for the average Ramapo and Suffern taxpayer. Markunas said he was grateful that the “frivolous” legal action by “a greedy company” has come to an end.