Town Manager's Report - November 19, 2018
Property Revaluation
The Assessor’s Office has mailed out the real estate ‘Notice of Assessment Change’ to all property owners.
A searchable database is on the town’s website which allows individuals to look up specific properties to see the new valuations as well as the previous valuations.
The notices and website have an explanation about the process to schedule an informal hearing in December. Informal hearings, which will be by appointment only, are planned for weekdays from December 3 – December 28. Property owners can schedule an informal hearing by contacting the Assessor’s Office between now and December 14.
Property owners will also be able to make a formal appeal to the Board of Assessment Appeals. The formal appeals are held in March and appeal applications must be filed by no later than February 20. Appeal applications can be found on the town’s website at www.townofwindsorct. com under the Town Assessor’s web page or by clicking application.
Below is a high-level summary of the revaluation results. Please note these are overall averages by class or category.
- 1, 2 & 3 family residential property assessed values increased by 4.8%
- Condominium assessed values increased by 11.3%
- Apartments assessed values increased by 9.0%
- Commercial/Industrial property assessed values increased 9.0%
With this revaluation, there appears not to be a significant overall tax-burden shift in terms of real estate value. Net assessments for non-residential and apartments comprise approximately 38% of the 10/1/18 Real Estate Grand List compared to 37% for the 10/1/17 Grand List.
Proposed MDC Budget
The Metropolitan District Commission is in the process of reviewing their proposed budget for calendar year 2020. The Commission plans to adopt a budget on December 10, 2018.
The proposed MDC budget would result in the ad valorem sewer assessment to the town increasing by 17% or approximately $720,000 over the FY 19 amount.
Water rates are proposed to increase over 10%.
Also, the district is proposing to increase the annual maintenance fee for fire hydrants by 25%. This equals a $27,000 increase to the town’s operating budget.
While I recognize and appreciate the MDC’s efforts in reducing the overall number of employees, combining job responsibilities and renegotiating employee benefits, these proposed increases are placing significant pressure on the town’s operating budget.
To help mitigate the ad valorem assessment to member towns, it is imperative that the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the MDC come to an agreement to resolve the dispute over the fees the State of CT should be paying related to discharging of leachate into the sewer system.
Prescription Drug and Opioid Abuse Awareness Program
A presentation and discussion will be given on December 5 regarding the epidemic of prescription drugs and opioid abuse. The program’s objective is to help the public understand the scope and severity of this crisis. A documentary film will be shown followed by a moderated panel discussion with local law enforcement and medical personnel.
This program is a collaboration between the Windsor Youth Services Bureau, Windsor Youth Commission and Windsor High School. The event is on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM in the Windsor High School Auditorium. This screening contains strong language and graphic images. Viewer discretion is advised. This event is open to Windsor Public School students and their families as well as the general public. For more information, please call the Windsor Youth Services Bureau at 860-285-1990.
Winter Parking Rules Began November 15
Just a reminder for residents that from November 15 to April 15 of each year, there is no parking on Windsor streets between the hours of 1:00 AM and 6:00 AM. Also, there is no parking on any street during a snow or ice storm that has been in progress for one hour or more. Residents are asked to not leave their vehicle on the street in such a position that it impedes snowplowing operations or the free flow of traffic.
When the snow arrives this year, remember to keep outside exits, walks and stairs free of snow and ice. Don’t forget there is a town ordinance that requires all property owners to clear snow from the sidewalk (and fire hydrants if there is one on or adjacent to your property) within 12 hours after a storm.
Town Hall Closed Thursday and Friday
Just as a reminder, town offices will be closed on both Thursday, 11/22, and Friday, 11/23, for the Thanksgiving holiday.