Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Revaluation Phase In topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Avon Council hears detailed revaluation phase-in analysis; votes not to proceed now
Summary
Finance staff presented revaluation results showing a 19.57% grand-list increase and suggested phase-in options; presenters warned a phase-in would defer equity and could raise motor-vehicle taxes. Council discussed timing and agreed not to move forward at this time.
Avon officials reviewed a revaluation presentation Thursday showing the town’s October 2023 net assessment rose about 19.57% overall, with condominium assessments up approximately 40.72%. Finance Director Tom DiStasio and staff outlined implications of a phase-in under CGS Sec. 12-62c and cautioned that phasing assessment increases can perpetuate inequities and shift burdens to other taxpayers.
"The system of taxation in the State of Connecticut is based on equitable distribution of the tax levy that aligns with market value," Finance Director Tom DiStasio said during the presentation, adding that a phase-in “perpetuates an inequity in the distribution of the levy.”
The slides presented to council illustrated sample impacts: a four-year phase-in could reduce near-term increases for some property owners but would require a higher mill rate overall to compensate, increasing motor vehicle taxes and creating cross-subsidies. Town staff noted a phase-in would require public hearings, additional communication, and statutory steps; the council heard the estimated cost to perform revaluation work is about $175,000 spread over three years.
Council members debated fairness and timing. Chairman Dan Polhamus said more frequent revaluations could create a fairer distribution over time, noting market timing is the core driver of individual tax changes. Several members said a phase-in now would unnecessarily shift costs and that any mitigation should be achieved through budget reductions or use of fund balance.
After discussion, council members agreed not to pursue a revaluation phase-in at this time and to instead consider other budgetary adjustments if the upcoming referendum results require tax mitigation.
The presentation and detailed slide packet were included in the meeting record and used by staff to explain category-by-category assessment shifts, projected mill-rate scenarios, and potential taxpayer impacts.
