Connecticut Senate Bill SB00555

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/19
• Refer: 1/24/19

Caption

An Act Concerning A Grant In Lieu Of Taxes To The Town Of Voluntown.

Impact

The bill, if passed, would amend section 12-18b of the general statutes concerning municipal grants for state property. This change could improve the financial stability of Voluntown by ensuring that the town receives necessary funding from the state in recognition of the economic implications that hosting a state park entails. Such a funding mechanism could influence other towns with similar properties to advocate for comparable arrangements, subsequently impacting how state laws address municipal financial support.

Summary

SB00555 aims to provide a grant in lieu of property taxes to the Town of Voluntown equivalent to 100% of the taxes that would have been applicable to Pachaug State Park. This legislative proposal is significant as it attempts to address the financial impact of state-owned lands on local municipalities by compensating them for tax revenues they would have earned had the land been privately owned. The bill emphasizes the need for fair funding for towns that host state parks, which often do not contribute to local tax revenues despite the resources they provide for recreation and tourism.

Contention

While the intention behind SB00555 is to support local governance, it may also prompt discussions surrounding the distribution of state resources and the equitable treatment of all towns with regards to tax revenues from state-owned properties. Notable contention may arise around whether the 100% compensation is sufficient considering the potential decrease in local revenue due to state ownership of land, or if it sets a precedent for other municipalities to seek similar grants. Additionally, debates may consider how this bill aligns with broader fiscal priorities of the state government.