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NECCOG members tell legislative delegation governor’s proposed budget could raise local tax bills
Summary
At a Feb. 10, 2017 meeting in Dayville, NECCOG members told state legislators the governor’s proposed budget appears to shift costs onto smaller towns, warning of increases of about five mills or more and urging consideration of revenue options. With no quorum present, formal business was tabled.
Chairman Rick Ives opened the Feb. 10, 2017 meeting of the Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region in Dayville at 8:46 a.m. and invited the region’s legislative delegation to discuss the governor’s proposed budget. Legislators Pat Boyd, Danny Rovero, Doug Dubitsky and Ann Dauphinais attended the informal session.
Mr. Walker, speaking for NECCOG members, said he had a "strong dislike for the proposal," and argued it "appears to be penalizing efficiently run towns for the benefit of larger and often poorly managed cities." He outlined direct monetary impacts to the region’s towns and said only Sterling would receive more state assistance under the proposed plan than in the prior budget.
Legislators and local members expressed concern that the proposal effectively transfers the state budget deficit to smaller municipalities, with members warning of "5 or more mil increases" in local property tax rates and noting those increases would be difficult or impossible for towns to enact locally. NECCOG members framed the change as a shift in responsibility from state to local taxpayers.
Members also criticized the governor’s support for a proposed $250 million renovation of the XL Center while asking towns to take on teacher retirement costs. Mr. Syme cited a recently released CCM report as offering "a range of ideas to address spending," and Mr. Ives said legislators should "not be afraid to examine possible revenue adjustments such as the sales tax and income tax."
Participants raised other regional priorities in brief remarks, including crumbling foundations, MS4 stormwater compliance, MERSA, health district consolidations and tourism development. Attendees were also told a meeting will take place next week between NECCOG’s executive committee and NHCOG at the Legislative Office Building.
Because a quorum was not present, all formal business was tabled until the next regular meeting. The informal session concluded at 10:22 a.m.
