Board of Mayor and Burgesses

MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING BOARD OF MAYOR AND BURGESSES MAY 10, 2023 Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Borough of Naugatuck held the Board of Mayor and Burgesses meeting on a hybrid basis. Everyone was welcomed to attend in person, by Zoom Webinar or by phone. 1. Mayor “Pete” Hess called the special meeting to order at 7:11 p.m. with the following in attendance: BURGESSES: PRESS: R. Neth G. Mudry, virtual A. Yilma M. Bronko D. Neth-Kunin F. Dambowsky M. Smith RESIDENTS: C. Marenghi R. Vitale Unable to determine due to the format J. Mizeski, virtual DEPARTMENT HEADS: S. Jackson, Assessor A. Bruce, Controller L. Rotella, Town Planner/WEO, virtual J. Goggin, Tax Collector OTHERS: J. Higgins, Board of Finance Vice Chairman L. Wehry, IT Assistant 2. Meghan Smith led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. 3. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Bronko that in accordance with Connecticut General Statues, Section 12- 62c, the Board of Mayor and Burgesses hereby approves the Implementation of the Revaluation of all Real Property within the Borough of Naugatuck effective for the October 1, 2022 Grand List by requiring the assessor to gradually phase-in the increase of assessments for each parcel of real property resulting from such revaluation over a period of (3) three assessment years using the following factors, as recommended by Assessor Shelby Jackson:  Effective for the October 1, 2022 Grand List (40%) forty percent of the increase of assessments for each parcel of real property resulting from such revaluation shall be phased-in.  Effective for the October 1, 2023 Grand List an additional (35%) thirty-five percent of the increase of assessments for each parcel of real property resulting from such revaluation shall be phased-in.  Effective for the October 1, 2024 Grand List an additional and final (25%) twenty-five percent of the increase of assessments for each parcel of real property resulting from such revaluation shall be phased-in.  -2- Minutes – Board of Mayor and Burgesses Special Meeting – May 10, 2023 4. Discussion regarding the implementation of a Senior Homeowner Local Tax Relief Program. Seniors, sixty-five (65) years old and older, with a household income of $50,000 for a single person or $60,000 for a married couple would be eligible to participate in the program. The income eligible figures are $10,000 over the state’s requirement. They would need to be a Naugatuck resident for the previous five years. Their tax benefit would be $400 in year one, $200 in year two and $100 in year three. The credit is limited to one benefit per household. Approximately three hundred eligible people are currently on the state’s homeowner tax relief program. It is estimated to cost $250,000 in year one, half that amount in year two and half in year three. The money will come out of the reserve account; it will not affect the millrate. The credit amount per year was discussed. The average tax increase due to revaluation is $696. The board decided to increase the credit amount in year one to $600. If the taxes were over $600, they would have to pay the difference. If the taxes were under $600, they would only receive credit for the amount of taxes owed. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Deputy Mayor Neth and seconded by Burgess Bronko that the assessor, the tax collector, the controller and the mayor be instructed to finalize a Senior Homeowner Local Tax Relief Program for three years that would provide a six hundred ($600) dollar credit in year one, a three hundred ($300) dollar credit in year two and a one hundred and fifty ($150) dollar credit in year three taking also into account the nine factors set forth in the report from the assessor and that they be refined and brought back to the borough board for a final vote on the first Tuesday of June. 5. Motion by Burgess to recess to Executive Session at p.m. for discussion on the following: Collective Bargaining (Fire Union, Street Union, Chapter 89 Union, Chapter 90 Union, Police Dispatchers Union) and Pending Litigation inviting in _________________. Motion tabled. 6. VOTED: Unanimously on a motion by Burgess Mizeski and seconded by Burgess Bronko to adjourn the special meeting at 8:22 p.m. A digital recording of this meeting is available in the office of the Borough Clerk for further review. Attest: Nancy K. DiMeo Borough Clerk