Residents tell Finance Committee they cannot afford higher taxes; one questions 5G lease payouts

Three residents used the meeting’s public-comment period to oppose any increase to the mill rate and to press for accountability on prior grants and lease revenue.

Constance Williams (79 Legend Street) told the committee: "We cannot as homeowners... we cannot afford for the taxes to be raised here in New London." She said many residents are struggling with daily necessities and that higher local property taxes would be a hardship.

Anita Pender, a commercial and residential property owner, said she believes properties have been overassessed in the past and asked for clarity about where money from 5G cell panels is going. "There are recent ones on top of the hospital... I want to know who's getting the money for that," she said, adding the city should explain historic grant spending and assessment practices.

Charmaine Johnson, who identified herself as nearly 82 and on a fixed income, said rising taxes and reduced services threaten long-term residents’ ability to remain in their homes. "The taxes go up and the services decreased," she said.

Council members heard the comments as context for the subsequent Board of Education presentation on the district budget; the committee did not take formal action on tax policy at this meeting.

The public-comment speakers raised topics the council may follow up on, including requests for transparency around local assessments, the disposition of past grant funds and lease revenues from telecommunications installations on municipal property.