Connecticut House Bill HB05967

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/13
• Refer: 1/24/13

Caption

An Act Delaying Revaluation For The Town Of New Fairfield.

Impact

The passage of this bill would have significant implications for local governance in New Fairfield, particularly concerning property tax assessment practices. By permitting the postponement of revaluation, the town would retain the existing property tax rates for an extended period, thereby potentially stabilizing the revenue stream for local services and preventing sudden tax increases. This decision reflects a broader trend among some municipalities to seek relief from aggressive property taxation in the face of economic uncertainty.

Summary

House Bill 05967 seeks to amend section 12-62 of the general statutes to allow the town of New Fairfield to postpone its scheduled revaluation of property taxes until 2015. This measure is introduced to provide flexibility to the local government amid the economic considerations affecting its residents and property owners. By enabling a delay, the bill aims to relieve potential financial burdens on taxpayers that might arise from rapid increases in property assessments during challenging economic times.

Contention

While proponents may argue that the delay in revaluation is prudent given current economic conditions, there are concerns that such postponements could lead to inequities in tax assessments. Critics of delaying revaluation might argue that it unfairly benefits certain taxpayers while placing the financial weight of public services on those who might see increases in property values but not have their taxes adjusted accordingly. This creates a potential divide in fiscal responsibility among residents, something that requires careful consideration by the town's legislative body and community stakeholders.