City Council urged to expedite property assessment appeals process amid revenue concerns

The Special Joint City Council and Board of Finance Meeting held on March 5, 2025, in Torrington, focused on critical issues surrounding the city's revenue collection and property assessments. Council members expressed frustration over the challenges posed by the ongoing revaluation process, which is the first since the pandemic began in 2020.

A key point of discussion was the impact of delayed timelines on the filing of grand list documents with the Office of Policy and Management (OPM). The deadline for these filings was extended to January 31 due to the revaluation year, which has significant implications for the city's budget and tax assessments. Council members highlighted that this delay not only affects tax revenue but also postpones the ability of the Board of Assessment Appeals to meet and process property owners' appeals.

There is considerable interest among property owners regarding assessment appeals, especially since many have experienced significant increases in their property values. The council acknowledged the urgency of addressing these appeals promptly to ensure that taxpayers can exercise their rights efficiently. The discussions underscored the need for the council to expedite their decisions to allow the assessor to finalize her work and facilitate the appeals process.

Overall, the meeting emphasized the interconnectedness of tax impacts, assessment timelines, and the necessity for swift action by the council to support the city's financial health and responsiveness to its residents.