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Stratford council adopts expanded senior tax-relief ordinance with emergency clause
Summary
The Stratford Town Council voted unanimously July 13 to expand eligibility and add emergency and application-extension language to the senior tax-relief ordinance, a measure the council said addresses reassessment-related financial strain on seniors and residents with disabilities.
The Stratford Town Council on July 13 adopted an amended senior tax-relief ordinance designed to expand eligibility and make relief available immediately.
Councilor Lisa Carol Fabian moved the ordinance forward and the council adopted two amendments before final passage: an emergency clause declaring the ordinance effective upon passage under Section 2.2.09 of the Stratford Town Charter, and language permitting the tax assessor or the secretary of policy and management to extend application deadlines consistent with state law. The amendments were offered and adopted on the council floor and then the amended ordinance was adopted in a roll-call vote.
Chair Anthony framed the change as a response to recent reassessment impacts, saying the expansion "is just one tool that we are executing at this moment" to address the cost-of-living pressures facing seniors and people on fixed incomes. The mayor had earlier said the council is working to provide additional tax relief and to reinstitute a finance committee to study the Homestead Act's local impacts.
Council members completed a roll-call vote confirming the ordinance's adoption. The council also instructed staff to prepare any implementing materials and to coordinate with the tax assessor on application processes and public outreach.
The ordinance will take effect as specified in the adopted emergency language. Councilors indicated they expect further review of related fiscal impacts at upcoming committee meetings.
