Budget subcommittee reviews tax impact amid rising fire department funding requests

In a recent meeting held on May 7, 2025, the Torrington Board of Public Safety addressed significant budgetary challenges facing the city’s public safety departments. The meeting, which included discussions led by department chiefs and a budget subcommittee, highlighted the impact of a recent property revaluation on local taxpayers and the necessity for budget cuts across various departments.

The revaluation, completed on October 1, 2024, revealed a stark disparity in property value increases, with residential real estate rising by 90 to 110%, while commercial properties saw only a 40% increase. This shift has resulted in a heavier tax burden on residents, prompting urgent discussions about budget adjustments. Initial budget proposals indicated that without intervention, residents could face tax increases exceeding 50%. Even after implementing strict measures to level fund departmental budgets, projected tax increases for residents still range between 25% and 42%.

The budget subcommittee, which included members from the Board of Public Safety, City Council, and Board of Finance, recommended that all departmental budgets be level funded to mitigate the financial strain on taxpayers. This decision was met with acknowledgment from department chiefs, who expressed the difficulties of maintaining operational effectiveness under constrained budgets.

The fire department, for instance, proposed a budget of $6.7 million, down from an initial request of $7.2 million. Chief concerns included the need to cut essential training programs and equipment funding to avoid layoffs. The chief noted that the budget reductions would impact the department's ability to maintain safety standards and training, which are critical for effective emergency response.

Additionally, discussions included the budget for volunteer fire services, which saw minimal cuts but highlighted ongoing needs for equipment and training. The chiefs emphasized the importance of maintaining operational readiness, particularly as new recruits join the ranks.

As the meeting concluded, the board voted to advance the proposed budgets to the city council for approval, with the understanding that further discussions would be necessary to address the ongoing financial challenges. The board's efforts reflect a commitment to balancing fiscal responsibility with the need to ensure public safety and effective emergency services in Torrington. The community will be closely watching how these budget decisions unfold and their implications for local services and tax rates in the coming fiscal year.