Showing posts with label taxes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label taxes. Show all posts
August 3, 2014
Bristol Hospital sale could mean $2 million a year in extra tax revenue
December 20, 2012
Cuts still needed, Czenczelewski says
Gifts are welcomed, but solutions are still needed
In a December 20 article on the Bristol Press website titled “City taxpayers get a major $$ ‘gift’”, the article states that the city of Bristol is going to receive approximately $4.7 million from reimbursable expenses on the high school renovations completed more than a decade ago. Of that $4.7 million, approximately $3 million will be able to be used towards the debt services line item in the City budget. Although this “gift” is appreciated, ultimately it is just a one-time source of “revenue” that will be exhausted. Whether that happens in a single year, or over several years, the end result is that this money is not a long-term solution.
It is imperative that the Board of Finance, City Council, Mayor and City employees work together to help trim the budget and our nearly $7.5 million deficit. That deficit figure is based on a flat-line budget, with no increases for any department including the Board of Education. The reality of the situation is still grim, as healthcare costs are projected to continue to increase yearly. Since 2001, the line item in the City budget for healthcare has increased over 108 percent, from $15 million to $31 million. This is a trend that, without intervention, will continue to result in yearly deficits going forward.
Simply put, the City cannot rely on these funds to balance our budget. This was a practice readily used in years past, and is a contributing factor for the reason we are facing yearly budget deficits. For instance, this past budget cycle, $3 million was “borrowed” from the health contingency account in order to reduce the mill rate increase. This was a practice that neither I, nor my Republican colleagues supported. As we said then, and have continued to stress since, Bristol has a structural problem with our budget. The state of Connecticut has similar problems, and the likelihood of state aid decreasing over the next few years only further underlines the importance of getting our fiscal house back in order. We cannot rely on state funding or "gifts" to make ends meet.
The City received a one-time bandage, not a gift. But before we can use this bandage, we need to make cuts.
April 19, 2011
Tax collectors oppose measure to cut deals on back taxes
A plan proposed by Bristol lawmakers to let municipalities negotiate back tax payments drew strong opposition from the state’s tax collectors.
Letting cities and towns negotiate tax payment amounts would give tax collectors “too much discretion” and serve no public purpose, according to legislative testimony by the Connecticut Association of Tax Collectors.
The group said the change sought by all of Bristol’s legislators – with backing from City Hall – “would greatly imperil the revenue stream upon which municipalities depend.” Click here for the full story.
Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Letting cities and towns negotiate tax payment amounts would give tax collectors “too much discretion” and serve no public purpose, according to legislative testimony by the Connecticut Association of Tax Collectors.
The group said the change sought by all of Bristol’s legislators – with backing from City Hall – “would greatly imperil the revenue stream upon which municipalities depend.” Click here for the full story.
December 28, 2009
Taxpayers can charge it
The city's taking credit cards for property tax payments, if you're foolish enough to pay the extra fee to do it. Here's the story.
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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
September 25, 2009
Bristol company gets state cash, owes city back taxes
A Bristol manufacturer that received more than $1.1 million in state-backed loans this week owes nearly $40,000 in unpaid taxes to the city.
BW Manufacturing Co. owes $38,410 in personal property taxes stretching back more than two years and another $791 in motor vehicle taxes, according to the city tax collector’s office.
Gary Weed, president of the company, said Friday it had fallen behind on taxes but arranged a payment schedule with the city to catch up. He said the firm has kept up with the terms of the deal.
The Connecticut Development Authority approved a loan and a loan guarantee this week, both in participation with People’s United Bank, in order to help the Bristol company expand into the medical devices field.
State Sen. Tom Colapietro, a Bristol Democrat, said Friday the state shouldn’t be handing out money to tax delinquents.
He said he would have told the firm, “Pay your taxes and then we’ll give you some money.”
“I don’t have sympathies for companies that owe money and then ask for more,” the senator said.
But Weed said the money will allow BW Manufacturing to get some new equipment and to grow significantly in the years ahead. He said a new account has the potential to “really take off” and as a result “lots of good things” are coming for both the company and the city.
Weed said the “last few years have been a challenge,” but his company has always emerged with new customers when it had to find them and has managed to do it again.
In announcing the CDA’s decision, Gov. Jodi Rell called BW Manufacturing “a great example of Connecticut’s small and nimble manufacturing base” and “the type of company we will continue supporting, because these small manufacturers are the engines that drive our economy.”
“You would think she would do her homework,” Colapietro said.
It isn’t clear if the state knew about the back taxes the company owed to Bristol. Rell’s office did not answer questions about it by late Friday.
The guaranteed loan application form required by the CDA includes a section where businesses seeking the agency’s help must disclose any back taxes they owe to the federal, state or local government.
Colapietro said he learned long ago that if somebody owed him $20 he shouldn’t loan the guy more.
Weed said the company is on the right path and “looking forward to some real good growth” that will mean more jobs in Bristol.
He said that People’s United Bank has “done an outstanding job” helping the company along, which he said is especially noteworthy at a time when so many banks have failed to do right for their customers and communities.
BW Manufacturing is a precision machining and metal fabrication shop that began primarily as a manufacturer of high tolerance and specialty metal products for the aircraft and automotive industries.It is expanding into the medical devices sector with stainless steel and titanium surgical tools and medical instrument components.
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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
BW Manufacturing Co. owes $38,410 in personal property taxes stretching back more than two years and another $791 in motor vehicle taxes, according to the city tax collector’s office.
Gary Weed, president of the company, said Friday it had fallen behind on taxes but arranged a payment schedule with the city to catch up. He said the firm has kept up with the terms of the deal.
The Connecticut Development Authority approved a loan and a loan guarantee this week, both in participation with People’s United Bank, in order to help the Bristol company expand into the medical devices field.
State Sen. Tom Colapietro, a Bristol Democrat, said Friday the state shouldn’t be handing out money to tax delinquents.
He said he would have told the firm, “Pay your taxes and then we’ll give you some money.”
“I don’t have sympathies for companies that owe money and then ask for more,” the senator said.
But Weed said the money will allow BW Manufacturing to get some new equipment and to grow significantly in the years ahead. He said a new account has the potential to “really take off” and as a result “lots of good things” are coming for both the company and the city.
Weed said the “last few years have been a challenge,” but his company has always emerged with new customers when it had to find them and has managed to do it again.
In announcing the CDA’s decision, Gov. Jodi Rell called BW Manufacturing “a great example of Connecticut’s small and nimble manufacturing base” and “the type of company we will continue supporting, because these small manufacturers are the engines that drive our economy.”
“You would think she would do her homework,” Colapietro said.
It isn’t clear if the state knew about the back taxes the company owed to Bristol. Rell’s office did not answer questions about it by late Friday.
The guaranteed loan application form required by the CDA includes a section where businesses seeking the agency’s help must disclose any back taxes they owe to the federal, state or local government.
Colapietro said he learned long ago that if somebody owed him $20 he shouldn’t loan the guy more.
Weed said the company is on the right path and “looking forward to some real good growth” that will mean more jobs in Bristol.
He said that People’s United Bank has “done an outstanding job” helping the company along, which he said is especially noteworthy at a time when so many banks have failed to do right for their customers and communities.
BW Manufacturing is a precision machining and metal fabrication shop that began primarily as a manufacturer of high tolerance and specialty metal products for the aircraft and automotive industries.It is expanding into the medical devices sector with stainless steel and titanium surgical tools and medical instrument components.
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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
May 4, 2009
Don't mess with ESPN, officials warn lawmakers
A proposed tax plan offered by state lawmakers would cause the state to lose jobs and if it passes “we will lose large employers like ESPN,” according to Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele.
Fedele, a Republican, told party officials in
Mayor Art Ward, a Democrat, also took issue with the revenue measure approved by a legislative committee that would sock ESPN for millions of dollars.
That bill had the support of state Rep. Chris Wright, a freshman Democrat from
The sections that would hike taxes for ESPN, Wright said, were part of “a larger overall package” that backed.
“I didn’t want to vote to kill the overall bill,” Wright said, even though he is “doing all I can to see what we can do about that part” of the measure before a final plan is approved.
"We are having constructive dialogue with state officials," Mike Soltys, an ESPN vice president, said Monday. But, he said, at this point "it's too early to tell" the outcome.
Wright said the focus has shifted to the appropriations panel and its work on reducing spending.
He said that if the spending side of the budget can be cut, then legislators can take another look at the revenue proposals included in the finance measure he supported.
Hopefully, Wright said, “we can take some of those provisions” that ESPN doesn’t like out of the bill before final passage.
Soltys said ESPN is unhappy about efforts to remove sales tax exemptions on broadcast equipment purchases that’s been in place since 1982.
Another proposal would end the tax waiver for purchase of time using satellite or fiber signals, a potentially costly change for the sports broadcast giant.
There are at least two other provisions in the bill that ESPN is pushing to have removed.
The large tax hikes sought by Democrats, Fedele said, “are unacceptable in these times. Companies do have options.”
The Greater Bristol Chamber of Commerce is also pushing to kill provisions in the proposed tax plan that would hurt ESPN.
The company, which is a division of Walt Disney Co., has said that it has invested more than $600 million in property and facilities in
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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
April 2, 2009
City tax collections doing just fine, even if economy isn't
Despite rising unemployment and a sinking economy, city taxpayers are making sure their tax bills get paid.
The tax collector’s office reported this week that 98 percent of the property, personal and motor vehicle taxes due in January were paid, which is the city’s historic pattern even in good times.
“Bristol pays their bills,” city Comptroller Glenn Klocko said.
Mayor Art Ward praised the tax collector’s office for doing “an excellent job” in making sure that payments didn’t fall short.
Collecting taxes at the rate assumed in the city budget is a crucial part of ensuring there’s enough revenue to cover municipal expenses.
City leaders were watching closely this winter to see if tax collections in January – the first major tax period since the collapse of the financial sector last fall – to see if there might be a problem with people paying up.
But it turned out that the concern wasn’t necessary.
John Smith, a Board of Finance commissioner, said that Bristol’s 98 percent collection rate must rank it among the best in the state.
With a $170 million municipal budget, even a small decrease in the collection rate could leave the city short $1 million or more.
As it is, Klocko said he anticipates ending the fiscal year with a small surplus.
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
November 24, 2008
City may need to dip into rainy day cash to weather fiscal storm
Faced with dire budgetary predictions, officials are considering the option of dipping into the city’s rainy day fund next spring to keep property taxes from skyrocketing.
A “tidal wave of taxes” looms, city Comptroller Glenn Klocko said, unless the economy turns around.
This may be the time that fund balance is tapped into,” Klocko said.
The city is struggling to hold spending in check enough to prevent a deficit during this fiscal year, but the real crisis is likely to take hold next year when the state’s fiscal collapse could mean sharp cuts to the aid Bristol and other municipalities depend on.
With the state eyeing shortfalls that could top $6 billion over the next three years, the city is worried its finances could take it on the chin, too.
Klocko said that he “can’t see how we’re going to sustain” education funding the way things look now. “It’s scary,” he added.
Both Mayor Art Ward and Klocko said that Bristol is fortunate to have more than $17 million in its rainy day account, about 10 percent of its overall budget.
That money can perhaps be tapped somewhat to lessen the mill rate increase that appears likely next year simply to preserve existing school and municipal services, officials said.
As city departments begin to look at possible budgets for the next fiscal year, which starts July 1, they have been told to keep increases to 2 percent or less.
“It’s not going to be a normal year,” Klocko said.
To keep the city’s education system going at the same level as this year will require an additional $5 million, officials said. Combine that with a possible $5 million reduction in state school aid, Klocko said, and it would take a 2.5 mills increase just to leave the school system the way it is.
That means residents would face a 10 percent tax increase for school spending alone unless something gives in the meantime.
With the state deficit at unprecedented levels and unemployment rising steadily, Klocko said the situation is dire. He said he’s worried there may be mid-year cuts in state aid tha would be “very scary” for local finances across Connecticut.
In Bristol, Klocko said, the city can hold out this year because it’s got a healthy reserve.
But after that, things look pretty bleak.
At this point, “the doom and gloom” of big city leaders doesn’t fit with Bristol’s situation, Klocko said.
But, he said, it’s likely to get a lot worse.
“Next year, I have no clue” how to deal with the financial crisis if it remains so dire, Klocko said.
The city may face as much as a $1.6 million deficit during the current fiscal year.
City Comptroller Glenn Klocko said that $900,000 of the shortfall is the result of the extraordinarily high utility and fuel costs the city has had to shell out.
The rest of the potential red ink is the result of a slowing economy.
The lack of new construction means that building permit revenue is coming in well short of projections while lagging home sales have sliced conveyance taxes.
In addition, the city isn’t earning much on the cash it has sitting in bank accounts because interest rates are so low.
All told, the three revenue categories are projected to come up $700,000 short of expectations, Klocko said.
Officials are watching closely to see whether property tax collections fall off in January, which would make the situation worse.
Klocko said the city has seen 98 percent of its tax bills paid so far this year, which is excellent. Whether it will stay that high, though, is unclear given the struggling economy.
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
October 9, 2008
Visconti proposes tax reform
A press release from Republican congressional candidate Joe Visconti:
Visconti Proposes IRS Energy, Education and Credit Card Deductions
Homeowners and renters will receive a tax write off for their heating, cooling and electric bills on their homes and apartments under a tax reform proposed by Republican Congressional Candidate Joseph Visconti.
The proposal is one of a series of IRS reforms Visconti is advocating.
Taxpayers at or below the 25% tax bracket - up to $78,000 filing single or up to $131,000 for married couples filing jointly - will receive a tax write off for 100%. Those at the 28% bracket will receive a 25% write off.
Visconti, who has made revision of the IRS tax code a priority if elected to represent the 1st Congressional District, said homeowners and renters should be able to deduct the money they spend for heating and cooling as well as other power costs since these are basic human needs.
Visconti said, "This proposal works in two ways. First it gives the homeowners and renters a deduction on their Federal income tax. Second it forces the government to get serious about developing alternative power sources, promoting safe and clean nuclear energy, fostering coal to clean gas, shale oil, investing in hydrogen development, and encouraging conservation, as well as regulating the energy industry appropriately."
"Congress is hitting the taxpayers on multiple fronts, through irresponsibility on Wall Street oversight as it makes billions of taxpayers' dollars available to financial firms, the corrupt and incompetent heads of quasi-public mortgage firms, and outgoing CEOs under questionable claims of an 'emergency bailout.'"
"It’s time for Americans to say the Buck Stays Home," Visconti said.
Visconti also is proposing federal tax deductions for college loans taken out by either parents or students; but only if the students earn their degrees. "With the cost of college spiraling out of control it is time to get serious about promoting college affordability," Visconti said.
Visconti also is proposing federal tax deductions on credit card interest of up to $2,500 per year to ease the burden on taxpayers who have been forced to live partially off their credit cards. "The credit card industry must also be overhauled. Interest rates are over 25 percent in some cases," he noted, calling such rates "criminal."
"When our energy costs, college loan interest, and credit card interest are federal tax deductions, we keep more of our own money and decide where it will be spent rather than giving it to Congress. These tax deductions if approved will keep our money at home and will help restore consumer confidence," Visconti said.
Visconti is facing incumbent Democrat John Larson, who has held the seat for a decade.
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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Visconti Proposes IRS Energy, Education and Credit Card Deductions
Homeowners and renters will receive a tax write off for their heating, cooling and electric bills on their homes and apartments under a tax reform proposed by Republican Congressional Candidate Joseph Visconti.
The proposal is one of a series of IRS reforms Visconti is advocating.
Taxpayers at or below the 25% tax bracket - up to $78,000 filing single or up to $131,000 for married couples filing jointly - will receive a tax write off for 100%. Those at the 28% bracket will receive a 25% write off.
Visconti, who has made revision of the IRS tax code a priority if elected to represent the 1st Congressional District, said homeowners and renters should be able to deduct the money they spend for heating and cooling as well as other power costs since these are basic human needs.
Visconti said, "This proposal works in two ways. First it gives the homeowners and renters a deduction on their Federal income tax. Second it forces the government to get serious about developing alternative power sources, promoting safe and clean nuclear energy, fostering coal to clean gas, shale oil, investing in hydrogen development, and encouraging conservation, as well as regulating the energy industry appropriately."
"Congress is hitting the taxpayers on multiple fronts, through irresponsibility on Wall Street oversight as it makes billions of taxpayers' dollars available to financial firms, the corrupt and incompetent heads of quasi-public mortgage firms, and outgoing CEOs under questionable claims of an 'emergency bailout.'"
"It’s time for Americans to say the Buck Stays Home," Visconti said.
Visconti also is proposing federal tax deductions for college loans taken out by either parents or students; but only if the students earn their degrees. "With the cost of college spiraling out of control it is time to get serious about promoting college affordability," Visconti said.
Visconti also is proposing federal tax deductions on credit card interest of up to $2,500 per year to ease the burden on taxpayers who have been forced to live partially off their credit cards. "The credit card industry must also be overhauled. Interest rates are over 25 percent in some cases," he noted, calling such rates "criminal."
"When our energy costs, college loan interest, and credit card interest are federal tax deductions, we keep more of our own money and decide where it will be spent rather than giving it to Congress. These tax deductions if approved will keep our money at home and will help restore consumer confidence," Visconti said.
Visconti is facing incumbent Democrat John Larson, who has held the seat for a decade.
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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
June 25, 2008
Mayor's words to taxpayers
Here's the letter from Mayor Art Ward to taxpayers that's going out with the city's property tax bills this month:
Greetings:
As residents and taxpayers, we are all aware of the present economic conditions nationally, statewide and locally. The effect of these conditions has a direct impact on the ability of City government to deliver the same degree of services to the taxpayer as have been rendered in the past. Accordingly, this administration has attempted to address this obligation in a responsible manner and with the best interests of the community at hand.
In addition to just completing property revaluation, both you individually, along with City government, have also incurred increased costs associated with energy, food, health care and numerous other essentials of everyday life. We have tried to consider all of these factors in adopting this year’s budget and will steadfastly attempt to control all municipal spending. Additionally, we will monitor all costs in order to ease the tax burden for each of us for the next fiscal year.
In order to accomplish this task, I have asked Department Heads for their suggestions to reduce costs and promote efficiencies throughout City Hall. I have also placed suggestion boxes for employees to submit their thoughts about implementing cost savings. I anticipate through these suggestions, some of which have already taken effect, the City will find some creative and cost effective ways to provide services you are accustomed to receiving. Furthermore, I have issued a directive that overtime must be approved by me unless it relates directly to the safety of the citizens of Bristol.
On a more positive note, the City financials continue to be strong. Our reserve fund is healthy, our outstanding debt is modest, and our tax collection rates continue to be strong. Future tax collections may be impacted by the downturn in the economy, but I have no doubt, through strong management, increased efficiencies and cost reductions, we will prevail through these difficult times.
Sincerely,
Mayor Arthur J. Ward
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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Greetings:
As residents and taxpayers, we are all aware of the present economic conditions nationally, statewide and locally. The effect of these conditions has a direct impact on the ability of City government to deliver the same degree of services to the taxpayer as have been rendered in the past. Accordingly, this administration has attempted to address this obligation in a responsible manner and with the best interests of the community at hand.
In addition to just completing property revaluation, both you individually, along with City government, have also incurred increased costs associated with energy, food, health care and numerous other essentials of everyday life. We have tried to consider all of these factors in adopting this year’s budget and will steadfastly attempt to control all municipal spending. Additionally, we will monitor all costs in order to ease the tax burden for each of us for the next fiscal year.
In order to accomplish this task, I have asked Department Heads for their suggestions to reduce costs and promote efficiencies throughout City Hall. I have also placed suggestion boxes for employees to submit their thoughts about implementing cost savings. I anticipate through these suggestions, some of which have already taken effect, the City will find some creative and cost effective ways to provide services you are accustomed to receiving. Furthermore, I have issued a directive that overtime must be approved by me unless it relates directly to the safety of the citizens of Bristol.
On a more positive note, the City financials continue to be strong. Our reserve fund is healthy, our outstanding debt is modest, and our tax collection rates continue to be strong. Future tax collections may be impacted by the downturn in the economy, but I have no doubt, through strong management, increased efficiencies and cost reductions, we will prevail through these difficult times.
Sincerely,
Mayor Arthur J. Ward
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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
May 20, 2008
How much is my tax bill?
With the new mill rate set at 25.99, taxpayers will pay $25.99 on every $1,000 of assessed value.
The assessed value is 70 percent of a property’s market value as determined by the revaluation from Oct. 1, 2007.
That means, for example, that if a house is assessed for $150,000, the tax bill would amount to $3,898.
For a house assessed for $200,000, the tax bill would be $5,198.
Revaluation makes it difficult to say what the general impact is because values shifted unevenly. Basically, those with property that rose in value more than the city average will see their tax bills go up more than the 4 percent called for in the budget – sometimes much more – while those with property that didn’t rise in value as much as the average could even see a lower tax bill this year than they got last year.
Last year’s mill rate was 34.71, but the impact of revaluation means that it was the equivalent of 24.95 this time around, according to Finance Chairman Rich Miecznikowski.
Remember, too, that a lower mill rate will mean that vehicle taxes won't be as high this year, which may cushion rising tax bills on homes for many people.
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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
The assessed value is 70 percent of a property’s market value as determined by the revaluation from Oct. 1, 2007.
That means, for example, that if a house is assessed for $150,000, the tax bill would amount to $3,898.
For a house assessed for $200,000, the tax bill would be $5,198.
Revaluation makes it difficult to say what the general impact is because values shifted unevenly. Basically, those with property that rose in value more than the city average will see their tax bills go up more than the 4 percent called for in the budget – sometimes much more – while those with property that didn’t rise in value as much as the average could even see a lower tax bill this year than they got last year.
Last year’s mill rate was 34.71, but the impact of revaluation means that it was the equivalent of 24.95 this time around, according to Finance Chairman Rich Miecznikowski.
Remember, too, that a lower mill rate will mean that vehicle taxes won't be as high this year, which may cushion rising tax bills on homes for many people.
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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
May 9, 2008
City budget likely to rise less than 4 percent
Mayor Art Ward said Friday that department heads have managed to find ways to carve spending out of the $173 million budget approved by the Board of Finance.
As a result, he said, the proposed spending plan could contain less than a 4 percent increase in the mill rate instead of the 6.5 percent originally envisioned.
"We don't have any money," Ward said, so there's no choice but to ratchet down spending.
The mayor said the lower numbers likely won't cause any layoffs, but there will be an impact on the city's ability to provide services that residents have come to expect.
State Rep. Frank Nicastro, a Bristol Democrat, said taxpayers better brace themselves.
He called this year's budget woes "the tip of the iceberg."
Nicastro, who is also a city councilor, said that this year's state budget situation is "terrible," but it will get worse next year. He said municipalities will get hit even harder.
Ward said that he knows people are going to struggle to pay property tax bills with energy and food costs up so much, particularly with revaluation's slight shift of the overall tax burden more onto the shoulders of homeowners.
"That's the times we're in," the mayor said.
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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
As a result, he said, the proposed spending plan could contain less than a 4 percent increase in the mill rate instead of the 6.5 percent originally envisioned.
"We don't have any money," Ward said, so there's no choice but to ratchet down spending.
The mayor said the lower numbers likely won't cause any layoffs, but there will be an impact on the city's ability to provide services that residents have come to expect.
State Rep. Frank Nicastro, a Bristol Democrat, said taxpayers better brace themselves.
He called this year's budget woes "the tip of the iceberg."
Nicastro, who is also a city councilor, said that this year's state budget situation is "terrible," but it will get worse next year. He said municipalities will get hit even harder.
Ward said that he knows people are going to struggle to pay property tax bills with energy and food costs up so much, particularly with revaluation's slight shift of the overall tax burden more onto the shoulders of homeowners.
"That's the times we're in," the mayor said.
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Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
April 30, 2008
City budget may get sliced sharply in bid to lower taxes
With the economy continuing to falter and residents angry at the property tax hike proposed by the Board of Finance, Mayor Art Ward said Wednesday that additional cuts will be needed in the proposed spending plan slated for approval in a few weeks.
Ward told department heads they should submit “meaningful reductions” to their budgets by Monday.
The mayor also said he was freezing hiring, travel and overtime as much as possible for the remainder of the current fiscal year, which runs through the end of June.
Calling it “a major reconstruction of the budget,” city Comptroller Glenn Klocko said that the mayor is aiming to cut as much as $2.1 million from the approved spending plan in order to lower the mill rate hike by as much as a third.
To get there, Klocko said, “everyone, including education, has to feel the pain.”
Ward said that he’s heard from many people who are unhappy with the 6 percent property tax hike required to fund the $173 million budget that fiscal overseers approved last week. Combined with revaluation, most homeowners in town would owe an additional $200 or more unless cuts in the spending plan are made.
Ward said that “additional budget cuts are going to be necessary” to bring down the mill rate increase. But it doesn’t appear he would support layoffs or major reductions in services to get there.
It’s not clear whether a majority of the City Council and finance board would even go along with reductions that snatch money from the $101 million currently allocated to the schools for the next fiscal year. Education is in line, at the moment, for a 6.3 percent hike, an amount that educators said is sufficient to keep initiatives moving forward.
But Klocko said that when Ward asked him this week to lay out what it would take to cut enough to lower the tax hike by either .25 or .50 mills, he had no choice but to target the schools as well as the rest of the city government.
Klocko said he’s eyeing everything from putting off the purchase of every recommended police car to snatching extra money out of the Pine Lake ropes course fund.
“The cuts that are happening right now are thoughtless,” Klocko said. “They have no thought behind them.”
Unlike the cuts made during the budget season the past couple of months, there are no solid reasons behind the items that might get sliced away now, Klocko said, except that reductions are needed to lower the mill rate.
“I cut $2 from general government for every dollar from education” in the effort, Klocko said.
However, Ward is angling to have department heads weed through their budgets with more care during the next couple of days to see if there are places that could be cut without doing harm.
Klocko hailed the attempt.
“He is empowering the department heads to manage their budgets,” Klocko said. “I think it’s wonderful.”
Klocko said he’s ready to meet with every department head to go over the details in the hope of finding areas that make more sense to slice.
In addition to cutting allocations for next year, Ward told department heads to try to save every penny possible in this year’s budget.
“Every expense should be evaluated and prioritized, including the need for overtime,” the mayor told city supervisors. He said that except for emergency or contractually required overtime, all overtime “will require written justification to my office.”
The mayor also said that filling vacant positions is on hold pending his own review. He said “no new positions and no upgrades will be considered” at all for the time being.
“In addition, all staff conferences, seminars out-of state travel requiring any expenditure” have to be cancelled if the money can be refunded, Ward told department heads.
The city currently anticipates having about $900,000 left over at the end of this fiscal year, but it plans to use $500,000 of that money for economic development purposes. Bolstering the end-of-the-year surplus would provide more cash to get through next year, officials said.
Klocko said that the cuts are needed given the economic situation.
“We were bloated too long,” he said. “This is a correction and it’s necessary.”
“Things got out of hand and we’re going back. I just need to make sure these departments understand” that next year’s budgets are going to be tight as well, Klocko said.
“All of us need to make a concerted effort to improve the city’s financial position,” Ward said. “I’m optimistic that our efforts now will positively impact our future.”
Here's some more information from Klocko that I couldn't include in the story for the paper:
Klocko said that officials have taken note of the opposition in neighboring towns to proposed budget hikes and heard plenty from residents here who want deeper cuts to keep taxes down.
At the moment, the city’s proposed budget increase may be the highest in Hartford County, Klocko said, so it’s understandable that officials are eyeing reductions.
He said that it takes a $1,050,000 cut in the $173 million spending plan to cut the mill rate by .25. So cutting enough to lower the mill rate hike from 1.5 to 1 mills would require slicing $2.1 million from the budget that the finance board approved last week.
Klocko said that he figures that to cut ¼ of a mill, $300,000 should come from education and $750,000 from the rest of the city government.
To cut twice as much, he’s eyeing a $500,000 cut from the schools.
Of course, Klocko said, it’s not his decision. City councilors, the mayor and the finance board make the final decision.
He said that the millions cut from proposed spending during the preparation of the proposed budget were sliced away with some care to minimize the impact.
But now the cuts are being made simply to lower the bottom line, though he hopes to protect departments as much as possible.
Klocko said that he’s looking at a lower contingency fund, increased use of fund balance, some transfers from special funds, cutting equipment for the fire and public works departments, knocking out the purchase of police cruisers and more.
He called it “the toughest thing” he’s had to do since the 2001 recession, when other hard choices were forced on the city.
Klocko said the mayor sent out a memo by email to the departments about 3 this afternoon and “within five minutes, my phone was ringing off the wall” from department heads looking for help in paring their numbers.
The comptroller said that he plans to work with all of them and go over the ramifications of each cut so that officials can tell the mayor what it means to ax this budget line or reduce that one.
In the end, Klocko said, there will be a sort of “Chinese menu” for the mayor to review that lays out the possible cuts and how much each will save – and at what price to city services.
“It is monumental,” Klocko said.
Here's another copy of the press release from Mayor Ward (the same as the one posted earlier so if you read that you can skip this!):
In a prepared release, Mayor Arthur J. Ward addressed the need for further cuts to the 2008 – 2009 City budget.
“The budget process is always a challenge and this coming year is no exception. Additional budget cuts are going to be necessary for Fiscal Year 2008-2009”, said Mayor Ward.
With the downturn in the economy, prices rising in every sector of business and many Connecticut cities struggling to stay afloat, Mayor Ward is going back to the Department heads for another round of cuts. In a memo to City Department Heads, the Mayor stated, “Because you know what is truly needed to run your departments, I need your recommendations for cuts. Therefore, please provide to me your written recommendations for budget reductions by line item for your department no later than Monday, May 5, 2008. Please bear in mind that if you do not recommend meaningful reductions, reductions may be made for your department without your input.”
Ward went on to say, “I am also directing each of you to review spending for the remainder of this budget year. Every expense should be evaluated and prioritized, including the need for overtime. I recognize that some labor contracts require certain staffing levels, and that we must provide essential services. However, overtime, unless contractually obligated or for emergency operations, will require written justification to my office.”
Ward informed the Department heads that effective immediately, all requests to fill positions are on hold pending his review of the position being requested. Additionally, no new positions and no upgrades will be considered until further notice. In addition, all staff conferences, seminars out-of state travel requiring any expenditure (even if it has been previously approved and funded) must be cancelled if refundable.
In a move to keep spending at a minimum, the Mayor has called for anticipated over-expenditures in this fiscal year’s budget must be immediately communicated to my office and the Board of Finance prior to any overspending.
In conclusion, Mayor Ward said, “Throughout the year, but particularly during the budget process, we, as public employees, are under increased scrutiny. We must all continue to be diligent and professional as we are observed by the public and while we interact with the public; it is critical to the City’s image.
All of us need to make a concerted effort to improve the City’s financial position. I’m optimistic that our efforts now will positively impact our future."
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
Ward told department heads they should submit “meaningful reductions” to their budgets by Monday.
The mayor also said he was freezing hiring, travel and overtime as much as possible for the remainder of the current fiscal year, which runs through the end of June.
Calling it “a major reconstruction of the budget,” city Comptroller Glenn Klocko said that the mayor is aiming to cut as much as $2.1 million from the approved spending plan in order to lower the mill rate hike by as much as a third.
To get there, Klocko said, “everyone, including education, has to feel the pain.”
Ward said that he’s heard from many people who are unhappy with the 6 percent property tax hike required to fund the $173 million budget that fiscal overseers approved last week. Combined with revaluation, most homeowners in town would owe an additional $200 or more unless cuts in the spending plan are made.
Ward said that “additional budget cuts are going to be necessary” to bring down the mill rate increase. But it doesn’t appear he would support layoffs or major reductions in services to get there.
It’s not clear whether a majority of the City Council and finance board would even go along with reductions that snatch money from the $101 million currently allocated to the schools for the next fiscal year. Education is in line, at the moment, for a 6.3 percent hike, an amount that educators said is sufficient to keep initiatives moving forward.
But Klocko said that when Ward asked him this week to lay out what it would take to cut enough to lower the tax hike by either .25 or .50 mills, he had no choice but to target the schools as well as the rest of the city government.
Klocko said he’s eyeing everything from putting off the purchase of every recommended police car to snatching extra money out of the Pine Lake ropes course fund.
“The cuts that are happening right now are thoughtless,” Klocko said. “They have no thought behind them.”
Unlike the cuts made during the budget season the past couple of months, there are no solid reasons behind the items that might get sliced away now, Klocko said, except that reductions are needed to lower the mill rate.
“I cut $2 from general government for every dollar from education” in the effort, Klocko said.
However, Ward is angling to have department heads weed through their budgets with more care during the next couple of days to see if there are places that could be cut without doing harm.
Klocko hailed the attempt.
“He is empowering the department heads to manage their budgets,” Klocko said. “I think it’s wonderful.”
Klocko said he’s ready to meet with every department head to go over the details in the hope of finding areas that make more sense to slice.
In addition to cutting allocations for next year, Ward told department heads to try to save every penny possible in this year’s budget.
“Every expense should be evaluated and prioritized, including the need for overtime,” the mayor told city supervisors. He said that except for emergency or contractually required overtime, all overtime “will require written justification to my office.”
The mayor also said that filling vacant positions is on hold pending his own review. He said “no new positions and no upgrades will be considered” at all for the time being.
“In addition, all staff conferences, seminars out-of state travel requiring any expenditure” have to be cancelled if the money can be refunded, Ward told department heads.
The city currently anticipates having about $900,000 left over at the end of this fiscal year, but it plans to use $500,000 of that money for economic development purposes. Bolstering the end-of-the-year surplus would provide more cash to get through next year, officials said.
Klocko said that the cuts are needed given the economic situation.
“We were bloated too long,” he said. “This is a correction and it’s necessary.”
“Things got out of hand and we’re going back. I just need to make sure these departments understand” that next year’s budgets are going to be tight as well, Klocko said.
“All of us need to make a concerted effort to improve the city’s financial position,” Ward said. “I’m optimistic that our efforts now will positively impact our future.”
Here's some more information from Klocko that I couldn't include in the story for the paper:
Klocko said that officials have taken note of the opposition in neighboring towns to proposed budget hikes and heard plenty from residents here who want deeper cuts to keep taxes down.
At the moment, the city’s proposed budget increase may be the highest in Hartford County, Klocko said, so it’s understandable that officials are eyeing reductions.
He said that it takes a $1,050,000 cut in the $173 million spending plan to cut the mill rate by .25. So cutting enough to lower the mill rate hike from 1.5 to 1 mills would require slicing $2.1 million from the budget that the finance board approved last week.
Klocko said that he figures that to cut ¼ of a mill, $300,000 should come from education and $750,000 from the rest of the city government.
To cut twice as much, he’s eyeing a $500,000 cut from the schools.
Of course, Klocko said, it’s not his decision. City councilors, the mayor and the finance board make the final decision.
He said that the millions cut from proposed spending during the preparation of the proposed budget were sliced away with some care to minimize the impact.
But now the cuts are being made simply to lower the bottom line, though he hopes to protect departments as much as possible.
Klocko said that he’s looking at a lower contingency fund, increased use of fund balance, some transfers from special funds, cutting equipment for the fire and public works departments, knocking out the purchase of police cruisers and more.
He called it “the toughest thing” he’s had to do since the 2001 recession, when other hard choices were forced on the city.
Klocko said the mayor sent out a memo by email to the departments about 3 this afternoon and “within five minutes, my phone was ringing off the wall” from department heads looking for help in paring their numbers.
The comptroller said that he plans to work with all of them and go over the ramifications of each cut so that officials can tell the mayor what it means to ax this budget line or reduce that one.
In the end, Klocko said, there will be a sort of “Chinese menu” for the mayor to review that lays out the possible cuts and how much each will save – and at what price to city services.
“It is monumental,” Klocko said.
Here's another copy of the press release from Mayor Ward (the same as the one posted earlier so if you read that you can skip this!):
In a prepared release, Mayor Arthur J. Ward addressed the need for further cuts to the 2008 – 2009 City budget.
“The budget process is always a challenge and this coming year is no exception. Additional budget cuts are going to be necessary for Fiscal Year 2008-2009”, said Mayor Ward.
With the downturn in the economy, prices rising in every sector of business and many Connecticut cities struggling to stay afloat, Mayor Ward is going back to the Department heads for another round of cuts. In a memo to City Department Heads, the Mayor stated, “Because you know what is truly needed to run your departments, I need your recommendations for cuts. Therefore, please provide to me your written recommendations for budget reductions by line item for your department no later than Monday, May 5, 2008. Please bear in mind that if you do not recommend meaningful reductions, reductions may be made for your department without your input.”
Ward went on to say, “I am also directing each of you to review spending for the remainder of this budget year. Every expense should be evaluated and prioritized, including the need for overtime. I recognize that some labor contracts require certain staffing levels, and that we must provide essential services. However, overtime, unless contractually obligated or for emergency operations, will require written justification to my office.”
Ward informed the Department heads that effective immediately, all requests to fill positions are on hold pending his review of the position being requested. Additionally, no new positions and no upgrades will be considered until further notice. In addition, all staff conferences, seminars out-of state travel requiring any expenditure (even if it has been previously approved and funded) must be cancelled if refundable.
In a move to keep spending at a minimum, the Mayor has called for anticipated over-expenditures in this fiscal year’s budget must be immediately communicated to my office and the Board of Finance prior to any overspending.
In conclusion, Mayor Ward said, “Throughout the year, but particularly during the budget process, we, as public employees, are under increased scrutiny. We must all continue to be diligent and professional as we are observed by the public and while we interact with the public; it is critical to the City’s image.
All of us need to make a concerted effort to improve the City’s financial position. I’m optimistic that our efforts now will positively impact our future."
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
April 7, 2008
Property tax hike looms
Most homeowners will see a property tax hike of at least $150 this year if the proposed budget eyed by the city’s Board of Finance is approved.
The $171.5 million spending plan that fiscal overseers appear poised to endorse this month would drive the mill rate up by 6 percent, officials said.
“It’s really the best we can do without cutting services,” said Finance Chairman Rich Miecznikowski.
Mayor Art Ward said the proposed hike “serves the minimal needs of the community.”
“I don’t want to shortchange it and just delay the inevitable,” the mayor said.
Hardest hit are the city’s public works department, which sought a big increase, and the Board of Education.
The proposed budget that fiscal overseers reviewed Monday night included a 5 percent increase for the school over last year’s approved spending tally – but that figure proved woefully short of what’s needed.
Superintendent Philip Streifer said that it doesn’t count the $908,000 the city is adding to the existing budget – a portion of the extra school aid it got – and doesn’t take into account the spiraling costs of special education.
He said the school system can’t get by with the $99.8 million allocation currently included in the tentative budget. That’s not enough to cope with soaring costs, the superintendent said.
However, Streifer said, he believes there are additional revenues that the city could include that might help make an increase possible.
The school “wants to work with you,” Streifer told finance board members.
“We’re in this together,” Miecznikowski agreed, adding that “we’ve got your back” on the out-of-control special education expenses.
City Comptroller Glenn Klocko said that spending requests were up more than 8 percent to $177.3 million. But revenues, he said, are flat.
His department recommended cuts totaling $5.8 million that bring the increase to a more manageable 5 percent level.
But revaluation makes the pain greater.
Because almost all the property in Bristol is worth more than it was in 2002, up an average of 42 percent, the mill rate could drop from today’s 34.71 to 24.95 to bring in the same amount of money to city coffers.
The budget, though, requires a mill rate of 26.45 in order to bring in the necessary revenue to cover anticipated costs.
Klocko said that means most homeowners will pay more than $150 extra this year and some will pay much more than that, if their homes rose in value by significantly more than 42 percent. Condominium owners are going to take some of the largest hits because their assessments generally rose much faster than single-family homes.
School and city leaders are meeting Tuesday morning to go over numbers in greater detail. Officials said they expect to see some revisions in the education numbers before a spending plan is finished.
The finance board plans to adopt a budget on April 22. A joint session of the City Council and finance commissioners will put the final seal of approval on a new budget in mid-May.
The budget takes effect on July 1,when a new municipal fiscal year begins.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
The $171.5 million spending plan that fiscal overseers appear poised to endorse this month would drive the mill rate up by 6 percent, officials said.
“It’s really the best we can do without cutting services,” said Finance Chairman Rich Miecznikowski.
Mayor Art Ward said the proposed hike “serves the minimal needs of the community.”
“I don’t want to shortchange it and just delay the inevitable,” the mayor said.
Hardest hit are the city’s public works department, which sought a big increase, and the Board of Education.
The proposed budget that fiscal overseers reviewed Monday night included a 5 percent increase for the school over last year’s approved spending tally – but that figure proved woefully short of what’s needed.
Superintendent Philip Streifer said that it doesn’t count the $908,000 the city is adding to the existing budget – a portion of the extra school aid it got – and doesn’t take into account the spiraling costs of special education.
He said the school system can’t get by with the $99.8 million allocation currently included in the tentative budget. That’s not enough to cope with soaring costs, the superintendent said.
However, Streifer said, he believes there are additional revenues that the city could include that might help make an increase possible.
The school “wants to work with you,” Streifer told finance board members.
“We’re in this together,” Miecznikowski agreed, adding that “we’ve got your back” on the out-of-control special education expenses.
City Comptroller Glenn Klocko said that spending requests were up more than 8 percent to $177.3 million. But revenues, he said, are flat.
His department recommended cuts totaling $5.8 million that bring the increase to a more manageable 5 percent level.
But revaluation makes the pain greater.
Because almost all the property in Bristol is worth more than it was in 2002, up an average of 42 percent, the mill rate could drop from today’s 34.71 to 24.95 to bring in the same amount of money to city coffers.
The budget, though, requires a mill rate of 26.45 in order to bring in the necessary revenue to cover anticipated costs.
Klocko said that means most homeowners will pay more than $150 extra this year and some will pay much more than that, if their homes rose in value by significantly more than 42 percent. Condominium owners are going to take some of the largest hits because their assessments generally rose much faster than single-family homes.
School and city leaders are meeting Tuesday morning to go over numbers in greater detail. Officials said they expect to see some revisions in the education numbers before a spending plan is finished.
The finance board plans to adopt a budget on April 22. A joint session of the City Council and finance commissioners will put the final seal of approval on a new budget in mid-May.
The budget takes effect on July 1,when a new municipal fiscal year begins.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
March 3, 2008
Grand List up by $1.2 billion
The numbers are in and, to nobody's surprise, the city's worth more than ever.
On the heels of revaluation, the Grand List rose from $3 billion last year to $4.2 billion this time around.
Almost all of the increase is the result of soaring real estate values, with condominiums and rental property leading the way.
Though it's hard to say exactly what the impact on property tax bills will be, becaus the mill rate will go down, it's virtually certain that those who own condominiums, apartment houses and multi-family units are going to be shelling out more.
That's because the value of those properties rose much faster than the average value in town, according to the assessor's office.
Single family homes, commercial and industrial property did not rise as quickly so most owners won't see significant hikes in their bills.
ESPN remains by far the largest taxpayer in town, with about $245 million worth of land and equipment, but the rest of the Top 10 list got juggled this year. The assessor's office is, however, still working out exactly which taxpayers should make the annual tally.
Here's the final version of the story:
On the heels of revaluation, the city’s Grand List soared 38 percent in value last year to more than $4.2 billion.
“Not too shabby,” said Mayor Art Ward. “It’s comforting to know we have a solid base that can provide the services we need for the community.”
While the Grand List itself doesn’t have any direct impact on property taxes, it does provide a clue about who’s most likely to get socked harder when tax bills are mailed out this summer.
Those who own rental property or condominiums are mostly likely to get socked because they hold property which saw the most rapid rise in value since the last revaluation five years ago.
Personal property – the equipment owned by about 2,500 businesses in town – saw a 2 percent decline in value since last year.
That’s “mostly due to the economy,” said Judy Dick, the city’s acting assessor. “Because of the economy, we’re not seeing a lot of new stuff.”
On the other hand, the value of motor vehicles in Bristol rose by $3.3 million to $342 million in all, which typically doesn’t happen during hard times. Dick said that people are still buying new cars, which keeps the overall value from slipping.
One thing that can’t be determined from the new Grand List is how much new growth there’s been in the past year. Because of revaluation, Dick said there’s no simple way to say how much more value was added to Bristol’s rolls in the past 12 months from new construction.
Dick said Monday that the overall Grand List rose 38 percent in value. Single-family homes went up only modestly more, on average seeing a 46 percent increase in their assessments.
But homes for two to four families, which include the many three-deckers in older sections of town, went up 74 percent in value, on average, while apartment houses and condominiums had assessments rise by two-thirds.
Commercial and industrial property went up an average of 40 percent.
Property that went up more than the average is likely to produce a higher tax bill this year while those that lagged behind may see a property tax cut.
City Comptroller Glenn Klocko said that the Board of Finance and Ward are pushing to hold down city spending as much as possible this year in part because of the shifts in tax burden produced by revaluation.
The Massachusetts-based Vision Appraisal got nearly $800,000 to handle much of the revaluation work in Bristol during the past two years.
Revaluation in itself doesn’t raise or lower property taxes, but updates frequently shift the tax burden between commercial and residential property taxpayers depending on whose property has risen most in value.
Though the shift in 2002 put a greater burden on homeowners, it isn’t always that way. In 1998, for example, most city homeowners saw their taxes shrink because values had gone relative to commercial property during the previous decade.
The final taxable property numbers are likely to be adjusted slightly by mid-May as about 200 assessment appeals are decided. People who want to challenge their new assessments have until March 20 to file the necessary paperwork.
The Grand List does not include hundreds of millions of dollars worth of exempt property, including Bristol Hospital, churches, cemeteries and parks.The overall net assessment for the Grand List released Monday totals $4,238,467,940.Real estate makes up $3,655,726,600 of the net total, while personal property used by businesses tallies $244,135,860. Motor vehicles add another $338,605,480.
Because of a computer glitch, the annual Top 10 List was not yet available Monday, though it is clear that ESPN is at its head by a wide margin.
ESPN tops list
The city’s largest taxpayer, ESPN, just keeps getting bigger.
But its rate of growth slowed considerably last year.
The city assessor pegged the value of ESPN’s Bristol complex at $245.4 million last year, a jump of $4.7 million over the previous year.
Though a $4.7 million increase by any other company would be astounding, it is one of the lowest annual increases the sports giant has posted.
Part of the reason is that its personal property – the computers and broadcast equipment it uses – were worth $11 million less in 2007 than they were the previous year. That’s because even the newest electronics lose their value quickly.
Other top taxpayers in town include the Covanta trash burning plant, Carpenter Realty, Theis Precision Steel and Connecticut Light and Power. An explicit Top 10 list should be available soon.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
On the heels of revaluation, the Grand List rose from $3 billion last year to $4.2 billion this time around.
Almost all of the increase is the result of soaring real estate values, with condominiums and rental property leading the way.
Though it's hard to say exactly what the impact on property tax bills will be, becaus the mill rate will go down, it's virtually certain that those who own condominiums, apartment houses and multi-family units are going to be shelling out more.
That's because the value of those properties rose much faster than the average value in town, according to the assessor's office.
Single family homes, commercial and industrial property did not rise as quickly so most owners won't see significant hikes in their bills.
ESPN remains by far the largest taxpayer in town, with about $245 million worth of land and equipment, but the rest of the Top 10 list got juggled this year. The assessor's office is, however, still working out exactly which taxpayers should make the annual tally.
Here's the final version of the story:
On the heels of revaluation, the city’s Grand List soared 38 percent in value last year to more than $4.2 billion.
“Not too shabby,” said Mayor Art Ward. “It’s comforting to know we have a solid base that can provide the services we need for the community.”
While the Grand List itself doesn’t have any direct impact on property taxes, it does provide a clue about who’s most likely to get socked harder when tax bills are mailed out this summer.
Those who own rental property or condominiums are mostly likely to get socked because they hold property which saw the most rapid rise in value since the last revaluation five years ago.
Personal property – the equipment owned by about 2,500 businesses in town – saw a 2 percent decline in value since last year.
That’s “mostly due to the economy,” said Judy Dick, the city’s acting assessor. “Because of the economy, we’re not seeing a lot of new stuff.”
On the other hand, the value of motor vehicles in Bristol rose by $3.3 million to $342 million in all, which typically doesn’t happen during hard times. Dick said that people are still buying new cars, which keeps the overall value from slipping.
One thing that can’t be determined from the new Grand List is how much new growth there’s been in the past year. Because of revaluation, Dick said there’s no simple way to say how much more value was added to Bristol’s rolls in the past 12 months from new construction.
Dick said Monday that the overall Grand List rose 38 percent in value. Single-family homes went up only modestly more, on average seeing a 46 percent increase in their assessments.
But homes for two to four families, which include the many three-deckers in older sections of town, went up 74 percent in value, on average, while apartment houses and condominiums had assessments rise by two-thirds.
Commercial and industrial property went up an average of 40 percent.
Property that went up more than the average is likely to produce a higher tax bill this year while those that lagged behind may see a property tax cut.
City Comptroller Glenn Klocko said that the Board of Finance and Ward are pushing to hold down city spending as much as possible this year in part because of the shifts in tax burden produced by revaluation.
The Massachusetts-based Vision Appraisal got nearly $800,000 to handle much of the revaluation work in Bristol during the past two years.
Revaluation in itself doesn’t raise or lower property taxes, but updates frequently shift the tax burden between commercial and residential property taxpayers depending on whose property has risen most in value.
Though the shift in 2002 put a greater burden on homeowners, it isn’t always that way. In 1998, for example, most city homeowners saw their taxes shrink because values had gone relative to commercial property during the previous decade.
The final taxable property numbers are likely to be adjusted slightly by mid-May as about 200 assessment appeals are decided. People who want to challenge their new assessments have until March 20 to file the necessary paperwork.
The Grand List does not include hundreds of millions of dollars worth of exempt property, including Bristol Hospital, churches, cemeteries and parks.The overall net assessment for the Grand List released Monday totals $4,238,467,940.Real estate makes up $3,655,726,600 of the net total, while personal property used by businesses tallies $244,135,860. Motor vehicles add another $338,605,480.
Because of a computer glitch, the annual Top 10 List was not yet available Monday, though it is clear that ESPN is at its head by a wide margin.
ESPN tops list
The city’s largest taxpayer, ESPN, just keeps getting bigger.
But its rate of growth slowed considerably last year.
The city assessor pegged the value of ESPN’s Bristol complex at $245.4 million last year, a jump of $4.7 million over the previous year.
Though a $4.7 million increase by any other company would be astounding, it is one of the lowest annual increases the sports giant has posted.
Part of the reason is that its personal property – the computers and broadcast equipment it uses – were worth $11 million less in 2007 than they were the previous year. That’s because even the newest electronics lose their value quickly.
Other top taxpayers in town include the Covanta trash burning plant, Carpenter Realty, Theis Precision Steel and Connecticut Light and Power. An explicit Top 10 list should be available soon.
*******
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com
June 11, 2007
Ward issues "Leadership" position paper
Democratic mayoral contender Art Ward recently issued the following statement as a "Leadership position paper" --
Never before has a Bristol Mayoral election been so much about leadership in both style and substance -- than that which is facing us in November.
Four years of military service, nearly forty years of community service, including, seven years of service as a member and chairperson of the Bristol Zoning Board of Appeals and almost fourteen years as an elected member of the Bristol City Council have afforded a multitude of opportunities to learn the various aspects of true leadership.
Over the past fourteen years, regardless of party affiliation, I have strived to be a responsible voice for the best interests of all of us - the people of the City of Bristol Connecticut. I have always believed that realistic, responsible decisions are made by listening to, digesting and addressing issues open mindedly. While responsible opposition is the obligation of elected officials if poor decisions will be the end result of items of consideration, so is it the obligation of those same individuals to support items of positive importance, regardless of party affiliation.
It is hard for me to comprehend how the public can be expected to believe that the supporters of bad decisions during this administration will now propose that they will be the panacea for correcting these same mistakes tomorrow. I have not sat back while less than beneficial decisions have been made nor will I refrain from responsible opposition in the future if the issues are not in the best interests of the community as a whole.
An effective city leader demonstrates a passion for the community which enables them to put the good of the people above everything else, working with others without the "all or nothing" or "my way or the highway" perspective on governmental management. An effective leader is never an island unto themselves.
The best leaders listen, they listen to those of differing opinions, they encourage the sharing of ideas and potential solutions, they are not afraid to hear different voices, differing view points. An effective leader may not always agree but they always respect others and look for good, alternative ideas which affords the flexibility to arrive at the best possible solutions.
A leader is not afraid to make decisions, to lead, to set a direction and a purpose - indecision breeds wasted time, listless effort and a lack of purpose.
One of the most important aspects of leadership is the ability to foster teamwork amongst everyone involved in the functioning of the process, to coordinate the talents, abilities and contributions of others in order that a mutual benefit is realized for everyone, not only for a chosen few.
It was once asked "should a leader be either loved or should a leader be feared? I say neither. Rather a democratically elected official should be respected but not feared or disliked by those around them and that respect is attained only by extolling those virtues which have already been expressed.
The willingness of this administration to micromanage, to single out department heads, employees and volunteers alike have had a profound, negative affect on the morale of those very people who are expected to provide positive results for our community.
A Mayor should be a leader of vast integrity and respect, not the tzar of managers. The office of mayor should be a vehicle of progress, not the haven to spew vindictiveness or to "even the score" with vendetta-like actions.,
As mayor, I will initiate the following positive agenda for improving city government for all;
1. I will continue to work in concert with the Board of Finance to establish fiscal responsibility that will protect the citizens of Bristol from "tax shock," Investment in our community will be geared toward establishing a viable downtown, a fully developed Southeast Industrial Park, the renewal of the Park Revitalization Program, quality schools, safe neighborhoods and programs which enhance the quality of life for all of Bristol's citizens.
2. In conjunction with our state legislative delegation I will immediately establish communications with the appropriate State of CT officials to initiate the process of securing any/all funding which will assist in the development of our downtown, incorporating our own professional development and planning staff into the process.
3. Address better means of communication between the Board of Education, the city, the parents, the school organizations and the general public through well-publicized neighborhood meetings in order to afford the public the opportunity to express their views on the spending of educational tax dollars.
4. I will convene a Charter Revision Commission to address the issues of the need for establishing guidelines for public referendums on major issues affecting this community.
5. I will request that this same Charter Revision Commission consider the potential for the implementation of the town Manager form of government if it is determined to be in the best interests of our community.
6.I will eliminate the existing morale decay which is so rampant throughout the system, expecting each and every one of our employees to perform their jobs to the best of their abilities but without the fears of retribution resulting from micromanagement.
7. I will establish panels of inter-departments working together to deliver the utmost of proficiency in city services. The Public Works, Planning, Engineering, Economic Development, Police and Fire departments may meet on a regular basis in order to better coordinate activities and/or Social Services, the Senior Center, Youth Services and Community Development might join forces to more effectively address mutual community goals.
8. All persons, volunteers, employees, staff and department heads, without exception, will be treated with the utmost of respect and courtesy in all facets of employment and (re)appointments, always being afforded timely notice and due consideration in the process.
9. Any and all information which is pertinent to the decision making procedures of our elected officials will be forwarded in a most timely fashion and not be held in abeyance for the purposes of political gain.
10. Quality education, a desirable downtown, a functioning Southeast Industrial Park, improved parks and neighborhoods and a reborn respect for that which is right will be the path that we will forge ahead on in order to move Bristol forward.
Never before has a Bristol Mayoral election been so much about leadership in both style and substance -- than that which is facing us in November.
Four years of military service, nearly forty years of community service, including, seven years of service as a member and chairperson of the Bristol Zoning Board of Appeals and almost fourteen years as an elected member of the Bristol City Council have afforded a multitude of opportunities to learn the various aspects of true leadership.
Over the past fourteen years, regardless of party affiliation, I have strived to be a responsible voice for the best interests of all of us - the people of the City of Bristol Connecticut. I have always believed that realistic, responsible decisions are made by listening to, digesting and addressing issues open mindedly. While responsible opposition is the obligation of elected officials if poor decisions will be the end result of items of consideration, so is it the obligation of those same individuals to support items of positive importance, regardless of party affiliation.
It is hard for me to comprehend how the public can be expected to believe that the supporters of bad decisions during this administration will now propose that they will be the panacea for correcting these same mistakes tomorrow. I have not sat back while less than beneficial decisions have been made nor will I refrain from responsible opposition in the future if the issues are not in the best interests of the community as a whole.
An effective city leader demonstrates a passion for the community which enables them to put the good of the people above everything else, working with others without the "all or nothing" or "my way or the highway" perspective on governmental management. An effective leader is never an island unto themselves.
The best leaders listen, they listen to those of differing opinions, they encourage the sharing of ideas and potential solutions, they are not afraid to hear different voices, differing view points. An effective leader may not always agree but they always respect others and look for good, alternative ideas which affords the flexibility to arrive at the best possible solutions.
A leader is not afraid to make decisions, to lead, to set a direction and a purpose - indecision breeds wasted time, listless effort and a lack of purpose.
One of the most important aspects of leadership is the ability to foster teamwork amongst everyone involved in the functioning of the process, to coordinate the talents, abilities and contributions of others in order that a mutual benefit is realized for everyone, not only for a chosen few.
It was once asked "should a leader be either loved or should a leader be feared? I say neither. Rather a democratically elected official should be respected but not feared or disliked by those around them and that respect is attained only by extolling those virtues which have already been expressed.
The willingness of this administration to micromanage, to single out department heads, employees and volunteers alike have had a profound, negative affect on the morale of those very people who are expected to provide positive results for our community.
A Mayor should be a leader of vast integrity and respect, not the tzar of managers. The office of mayor should be a vehicle of progress, not the haven to spew vindictiveness or to "even the score" with vendetta-like actions.,
As mayor, I will initiate the following positive agenda for improving city government for all;
1. I will continue to work in concert with the Board of Finance to establish fiscal responsibility that will protect the citizens of Bristol from "tax shock," Investment in our community will be geared toward establishing a viable downtown, a fully developed Southeast Industrial Park, the renewal of the Park Revitalization Program, quality schools, safe neighborhoods and programs which enhance the quality of life for all of Bristol's citizens.
2. In conjunction with our state legislative delegation I will immediately establish communications with the appropriate State of CT officials to initiate the process of securing any/all funding which will assist in the development of our downtown, incorporating our own professional development and planning staff into the process.
3. Address better means of communication between the Board of Education, the city, the parents, the school organizations and the general public through well-publicized neighborhood meetings in order to afford the public the opportunity to express their views on the spending of educational tax dollars.
4. I will convene a Charter Revision Commission to address the issues of the need for establishing guidelines for public referendums on major issues affecting this community.
5. I will request that this same Charter Revision Commission consider the potential for the implementation of the town Manager form of government if it is determined to be in the best interests of our community.
6.I will eliminate the existing morale decay which is so rampant throughout the system, expecting each and every one of our employees to perform their jobs to the best of their abilities but without the fears of retribution resulting from micromanagement.
7. I will establish panels of inter-departments working together to deliver the utmost of proficiency in city services. The Public Works, Planning, Engineering, Economic Development, Police and Fire departments may meet on a regular basis in order to better coordinate activities and/or Social Services, the Senior Center, Youth Services and Community Development might join forces to more effectively address mutual community goals.
8. All persons, volunteers, employees, staff and department heads, without exception, will be treated with the utmost of respect and courtesy in all facets of employment and (re)appointments, always being afforded timely notice and due consideration in the process.
9. Any and all information which is pertinent to the decision making procedures of our elected officials will be forwarded in a most timely fashion and not be held in abeyance for the purposes of political gain.
10. Quality education, a desirable downtown, a functioning Southeast Industrial Park, improved parks and neighborhoods and a reborn respect for that which is right will be the path that we will forge ahead on in order to move Bristol forward.
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