Residents warn of steep property-tax hits after revaluation; teachers union urges full education funding

Several residents who spoke at the April 15 Milford City budget hearing said the recent property revaluation will leave many homeowners with much higher tax bills and urged the Board of Aldermen to cut the mill rate more aggressively or find expense reductions.

Dan German, a Milford City resident, said property values rose roughly 40% in the revaluation while the mill rate fell only one point; he estimated his taxes could increase about 35% under the current proposal and urged spending cuts that would not reduce services for seniors. Mark Lofthouse and other longtime residents said cumulative tax increases in recent years have been steep — Lofthouse said his taxes rose from about $4,200 to over $9,000 — and warned that continued increases could drive people from the city.

Suzanne Wellner asked the board to consider a larger mill-rate reduction, noting neighboring cities made sharper cuts after their revaluations. Jen Nichols urged fiscal conservatism and asked aldermen to "write the budget as if you were personally writing the check," saying dramatic tax increases are unsustainable for many households.

Separately, Frank Tucci, president of the Milford Education Association, representing 593 members, told the board that full funding for the Board of Education budget is critical to recruit and retain teachers amid a statewide shortage; he asked aldermen to avoid cuts that would weaken the district's ability to hire.

There were no votes taken; the board recessed until April 16 to continue budget deliberations.