Residents tell Board of Finance that assessments and proposed budget strain seniors and homeowners

Summary

At a Seymour Board of Finance public hearing, residents urged more clarity and relief on senior/disability tax exemptions, decried sharp assessment increases that for some mean roughly $2,000 more in annual taxes, and debated school administrative spending while the First Selectwoman outlined road-cost estimates and potential cuts if the town budget fails.

The Seymour Board of Finance heard more than a dozen residents voice concern about the proposed town budget and recent property revaluations, telling members the combination of higher assessments and the proposed mill rate will create real hardship for seniors and other fixed‑income households.

Residents repeatedly said assessments had jumped substantially this year. "This is the first year that our taxes will actually go up 20%," Erica Marcinzic said, adding that her home's assessment rose about 61% and the change increases her family's tax bill by roughly $2,000 a year. Several other speakers reported increases in the 30%–60% range and asked the board to consider the impact on budgeting for mortgages and college costs.

Many callers asked for detail on senior and disability property‑tax relief. Tony Sidrone asked specifically whether reductions for residents receiving disability compensation would be adjusted to offset the mill‑rate change and whether the income threshold for senior relief is based on adjusted gross income or total gross…

Residents tell Board of Finance that assessments and proposed budget strain seniors and homeowners

Summary

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