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East Hampton council adopts interim mill rate of 27.79 amid revaluation debate
Summary
After debate over whether to base an interim rate on last year’s mill rate or the current adjusted grand list, the East Hampton Town Council voted to set a temporary mill rate of 27.79 so tax bills can be issued while the budget process continues.
The East Hampton Town Council voted to set a temporary mill rate of 27.79 to allow tax billing while the town completes the budget process and a final rate is established. Town Manager Dave Cox presented the proposal and said a 27.79 mill would, based on the amended grand list, generate roughly the same total tax dollars as the town collected the prior year.
"2779 would net the town the same amount of taxes it collected last year on motor vehicles, personal property, and real estate," Town Manager Dave Cox said, explaining the calculation reflected board of appeals adjustments to the grand list. Councilors debated whether the town should instead use the prior year’s mill rate as an interim measure, as had been done historically, or adjust the rate for the current grand list after the recent revaluation and appeals.
Proponents of the Cox approach said recalculating by the current grand list accounts for revaluation changes and recent appeals; opponents said using the current grand list can effectively shift tax burden before voters approve a budget and argued the town historically set temporary rates by carrying forward the previous year’s approved mill. After discussion the council voted to adopt the proposed 27.79 temporary mill rate by voice vote.
Council members noted that once a final budget is approved the town will determine whether to issue a supplemental bill or make other adjustments so taxpayers ultimately pay the amount dictated by the final budget and statutory requirements. The town manager outlined the next steps in the budget calendar: a joint (trio) meeting of the board of finance, town council and board of education; a board of finance meeting; council action and then a referendum currently scheduled for July 14.
The vote allows staff to issue interim tax bills; adjournment adjustments and any supplemental billing will be determined after the final budget is set and the board of finance establishes the final mill rate.
