Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Tax Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Selectmen discuss proposed homestead tax exemption; Assessor office flags processing concerns
Summary
Board members supported the idea of a homestead exemption for primary residents but the Assessor’s Office warned additional temporary staffing might be needed to process applications; Selectmen asked Town Counsel to review applicable statutes before implementation.
Selectman Jeff Zullo expressed support for a proposed homestead exemption intended to benefit Litchfield’s primary residents and suggested officials consult Town Counsel and applicable statutes before implementation.
"I believe this is a great exemption for Litchfield’s primary residents," Zullo said, while the Assessor’s Office raised concerns that processing the exemption could require hiring a temporary employee to handle applications. First Selectman Denise Raap said she would ask the Assessor if an estimate of eligible residents could be provided. Selectman Dan Morosani cautioned that renters living full-time in town would not benefit and that a large number of qualifying homeowners could shift the tax burden onto others; he asked for an estimate of how many residents might qualify.
Board members directed that the Assessor’s operational concerns be reviewed by Town Counsel along with the relevant statutes, aiming to determine whether issues can be addressed in time to implement for the next tax year. No final decision or ordinance was adopted at the meeting.
