[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6701021,"mediaKeyId","5401557-094d054bfb74876c2bc971cc10290123","parentId",5401557,"title","State appraisal changes shrink Ellington motor-vehicle grand list; veterans exemption adds confusion","audioSeconds",87,"startMs",68000,"endMs",155000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5401557-094d054bfb74876c2bc971cc10290123&start=68&end=155","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5401557-094d054bfb74876c2bc971cc10290123/thumbnail_68000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6701021/State-appraisal-changes-shrink-Ellington-motor-vehicle-grand-list-veterans-exemption-adds-confusion","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6701021-11fe248ab94dbf9d4cf8dd6e4c996529/orig.mp4?Expires=1770577773&Signature=AcjHqxO-Gv5BBBLk-rlOdOQM3xSuiQ80XdVmhlbyoFJHgtOImseAlhrsqPEm~t1ufHA5yz7BStT8LcQSqaek26LCiedNO0pgwZpQPyQqff6arw3wDecOv5LS0jVu9aaiCOUYfHFZk-XCBlF2HSDjCbZEeJGC2b6k6ln5TmPRPNhuYJhS5SHnFvyQKJAO1A~ho40ijuZDUUsT9MwyPJ-7J5J5VuznzKexIDUU6mXHw2Medv3UKDxd4QgjD2yJ8NkIX-K0AME~InjfX2BX1wpp6128u4O9-sdr4eX7LP6PNQX1oXh9-7R3sMzycx8ubHQ5rVGaa~yRGCZm-0DYgtY2bg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Tolland School District","date","2025-07-15T20:57:58Z","article","Town Assessor John Rinaldi said in a July interview that a 2022 state law change to motor-vehicle valuation — and subsequent modifications in 2023 and early 2025 — produced a substantial, one-time shift in Ellington’s motor-vehicle grand list and complicated local budgeting.

Rinaldi said the new method uses the vehicle’s manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the model year and applies a fixed depreciation schedule, then multiplies the result by the statutory 70% ratio. “What we do now is use the MSRP of the vehicle, which doesn't change. It's the MSRP for when the vehicle is new, and we apply a fixed depreciation schedule to it,” Rinaldi said. He contrasted that with the prior method that used JD Power (formerly NADA) clean retail values and then applied the 70% ratio.

Why it matters: the change reduced Ellington’s motor-vehicle grand list and therefore taxable value tied to vehicles, producing a shortfall in expected tax revenue for the town in the adjustment year. Rinaldi said the motor-vehicle list was down about $27 million when he first signed the grand list in January, “which was about 900 plus thousand dollars in tax revenue.” After a March modification of the state change, he said the net reduction was about $10.5 million, “which is about $340,000 of tax revenue.”

Rinaldi and Spielman emphasized the change is the result of state statute, not a local policy decision. “That's correct. There was a change in state statute actually back in 2022… It got delayed. It was modified, and then it was modified again after I signed this year's grand list,” Rinaldi said.

Impact and distribution: Rinaldi said most vehicles lost assessed value under the new schedule, but some vehicles — particularly in the seven- to 12-year-old range — saw increases because the statutory depreciation schedule “levels off a little bit” and does not always match market depreciation. “Majority of vehicles went down, but a lot of them did go up as well,” he said.

Veterans exemption changes: Rinaldi described an overlapping change to veterans exemptions that added to the confusion for residents and staff. “The veteran's exemption passed in 2024, and there was a lot of confusion on what that meant,” he said, noting that definitions such as “100%” versus “permanently and totally disabled” and employable/unemployable statuses produced differing eligibility outcomes. Rinaldi said the town initially granted the exemption to “well over 40 people” and later had to rescind it for four people after the emergency order clarified eligibility.

Guidance for vehicle owners: Rinaldi urged residents to transfer or cancel license plates promptly when selling or disposing of vehicles to avoid erroneously receiving tax bills. “The first thing you should definitely do when you get rid of a car, if you don't transfer the plate, you should cancel the plate,” he said, adding that plate transfers can automatically prorate credits on new vehicle bills. He also listed documentation towns may require in some cases — a bill of sale, insurance notice for total loss, police report for theft or repossession — when correcting tax records.

What comes next: Rinaldi said the law’s effects are largely an initial adjustment. “We'll continue to see how it goes. I think the initial shock was this year. For the if you have the same vehicle, you're not going to see it jump again next year,” he said. Town leaders said the motor-vehicle change, combined with the veterans-exemption adjustments, complicated budget planning for the current fiscal year.

Officials encouraged residents with questions to consult the town’s assessor’s office and the town website for posted materials about the changes and the revaluation process.

Ending: Rinaldi and First Selectman Laurie Spielman framed the impacts as the product of state legislative changes and said town staff have been communicating with affected residents while awaiting how the new rules operate over the next year.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Ellington News and Events Episode 92","oneSentenceSummary","Town Assessor John Rinaldi told First Selectman Laurie Spielman in a July interview that a 2022 state law changing vehicle valuation to MSRP minus a fixed depreciation schedule — and a 2024 change to veterans exemptions — produced a one-time shift that reduced Ellington’s motor-vehicle grand list and complicated the town’s 2025 budget work.","taxTitle","taxId",0,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},6701013,"Ellington opens Sandy Beach, launches business association and lists summer events; volunteer fire carnival canceled",153,511000,664000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5401557-094d054bfb74876c2bc971cc10290123&start=511&end=664","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5401557-094d054bfb74876c2bc971cc10290123/thumbnail_511000.jpg","/articles/6701013/Ellington-opens-Sandy-Beach-launches-business-association-and-lists-summer-events-volunteer-fire-carnival-canceled","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6701013-3da4c55b03e3d5d3e0193645536cf49a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770577773&Signature=Kqbb3UYfsksz-KokjD4qtummkwtjM5cc8QJjWx~KLiswm3n62EDIY5wv56jjWkWrZjZ1g3lFcXk11jMOndlfiGj61sOeQeJHFs4GZ~o7OSazNaEYmpLnCpVKHi0wY3tu5FBsOLn3zq6eISDcxOQjgsv-JkfROyTjulPaagSSNr3RI03eFkGs-gQXboP8yEA7AYmkYM1QkO7ecYhcyCEFAWvFKBg0z-aIM6kYGA07g7no1Vl1rc4kbu~MbXSHsfFu-E56JQJTmVwYESa5LiJ64-pmgmGIBfJ0vNkNPsz~NTk9wn91228odxPP1uOMPVQBu-E2BB~UDT-L9AEbMWio6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","First Selectman Laurie Spielman gave a series of community updates during a July interview, highlighting seasonal services, business outreach and local events.

Spielman said Sandy Beach is open on limited hours and that the town has a master plan for the area and is seeking grant funding to implement it in stages. “Sandy Beach is open and it's open on limited hours, of course. If it's raining, we're not open. I have a picture of a master plan that has been approved. We're seeking out grant money so we can carry on with this plan,” she said.

The town held its first Ellington Business Association meeting at Jay Rigos, aiming to bring local businesses together to identify needs and coordinate support, Spielman said. She listed participating businesses such as Skipseptic and Homestead Fuel and said the health department will engage with local restaurant owners.

Community events: Spielman said the farmers market runs Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon and offers fresh produce, jams and other goods. She also reported that the volunteer fire department canceled its carnival and parade this year, but will proceed with the Wall of Honor and continue a raffle for a Jeep sponsored by Bulls Motors; tickets are available from firefighters and at the farmers market.

Local business and development updates: Spielman announced a new appliance store, Mark's Appliance, opened next to the former Past Stories location across from Bowles Motors, replacing a cabinet shop. She also said on Route 140 toward Enfield at a gravel pit a property owner has built 12 tobacco sheds this year and plans a total of 42 over time; Pinnacle Road at Route 140 is temporarily closed for a realignment.

Civic amenities: Spielman noted Arbor Park improvements, ongoing activities at the Nellie McKnight Museum (this year’s theme is Ellington sports) and the town’s outreach for human-services needs, including a food pantry and an outdoor overflow pantry for garden produce.

Ending: Spielman encouraged residents to consult the town website and newsletters for updates and said the town is pursuing staged implementation of projects as funding becomes available.","First Selectman Laurie Spielman said Sandy Beach is open on limited hours, the new Ellington Business Association held its first meeting, the farmers market runs Saturdays 9–12, and the volunteer fire department canceled its carnival and parade but will continue a raffle and the Wall of Honor.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},6701017,"Ellington assessor outlines revaluation timeline, informal hearings and tax-relief programs for seniors and veterans",600,774000,1374000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5401557-094d054bfb74876c2bc971cc10290123&start=774&end=1374","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5401557-094d054bfb74876c2bc971cc10290123/thumbnail_774000.jpg","/articles/6701017/Ellington-assessor-outlines-revaluation-timeline-informal-hearings-and-tax-relief-programs-for-seniors-and-veterans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6701017-3dc6850962856583fdf4d9eec3a12a73/orig.mp4?Expires=1770577773&Signature=jxVUN4HY9eUFonNLEjir2ALR1gH75E5rK2CR94WofhK6CjuWWQYJvv2pAwTSCzeASWrP~RY4p8PVJIDXtngnrlL~smUCAZJFwGvOi6Ln-l4V2tvHuJ6kDTo0DKo0rapv7k7kIYwulxz1Ly-R0OMrB3QUMky6x3wEPP-E6xPFOI609y741G~D7B7MtQ8PLKOWA2Q-BjWI2SVxlCoO2J6pzcPmi5ZXKw3V1v0KyHxSGGxbH~HfFDCklycQDwRxce-iEtSlHYQsazVehfVq2IGd~4AbvNHzw484tygMm7749zTOwtMLY485S3LQnQ4Wbs52FaaKDuHLQeaXyEZ8Y6I3Zg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town Assessor John Rinaldi told First Selectman Laurie Spielman in a July interview that the town’s revaluation work is moving through data verification and outreach steps ahead of formal notices this fall.

Rinaldi said the revaluation vendor sent out data mailers about a month before the interview to thousands of residents as a verification step. “The notice the data mails went out about a month ago. The preliminary first notice will be sent in November, early November, early mid November, and that'll be an invitation to go to an informal hearing with the evaluation company first,” he said. Rinaldi said the company will issue revised notices after informal hearings when values change, and the town will mail final notices after the grand list is signed in January with information about the Board of Assessment Appeals.

Why it matters: Rinaldi said some property assessments will increase in line with market sales since 2020. “We have some houses that are 40, 50 plus percent more in value,” he said. He cautioned that higher assessments do not automatically mean higher tax bills because the mill rate may fall if the grand list grows: “If your grand list goes up, the mill rate comes down.”

Property data and inspections: Rinaldi explained that a full measuring and listing was completed in 2020 and is scheduled next for 2030; interim years rely on building-permit follow-ups, sales and targeted inspections. “The measuring and listing component is every other veil. It's by far the most expensive part of the process… That was done in 2020. It'll be done again in 2030,” he said. He also said the assessor’s office follows building-permit activity for new construction, additions, demolitions and land splits, and that property changes prompt visits. Rinaldi noted the office is handling several crumbling-foundation cases and scheduled inspections for some of those properties.

Classification and valuation factors: Rinaldi described classification codes that capture lot characteristics, topography, condition, house type and the degree to which basements are finished. “Age can certainly be a factor. An older house that's remodeled… might be in much better shape than a 10 year old house that hasn't been remodeled,” he said.

Senior and veteran relief programs: Rinaldi urged eligible veterans and seniors to contact the assessor’s office and to file necessary documentation with the town clerk when applicable. He recounted a recent case: “We had a gentleman come in 2 weeks ago who was a Vietnam veteran and didn't realize he was eligible for something. He had been eligible for over 50 years, and he didn't realize that. And we got him to… file your DD 214… and we'll be able to give him an exemption this year.”

Rinaldi outlined typical program amounts discussed in the interview: the historical basic veterans exemption in some towns remained $1,000, while Ellington’s local exemptions had been increased (Rinaldi said the town was “at $6,000 now”); senior homeowner programs can reduce taxes — he cited ranges of $150 to $1,250 of savings and noted Ellington adopted a local supplement of $200 for ages 65–69 and $500 for those over 70. He emphasized that state income guidelines and eligibility can change yearly.

Outreach: Rinaldi said the assessor’s office has posted a PowerPoint on the town website and scheduled presentations at the senior center and library in the fall. He encouraged residents to review sales data and property records online before the town’s notice arrives so they can be informed heading into informal hearings.

Ending: The assessor framed the revaluation as a periodic, market-driven review and urged eligible seniors and veterans to consult the assessor’s office or town clerk for documentation to pursue exemptions.","Assessor John Rinaldi said data-verification mailers have gone to property owners, that preliminary revaluation notices will be sent in November and final notices after the grand list is signed in January, and reminded residents of senior and veterans tax programs and required documentation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

State appraisal changes shrink Ellington motor-vehicle grand list; veterans exemption adds confusion

Ellington opens Sandy Beach, launches business association and lists summer events; volunteer fire carnival canceled

Ellington assessor outlines revaluation timeline, informal hearings and tax-relief programs for seniors and veterans