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FINANCE / CLAIMS
COMMITTEE ACTIONS
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JANUARY 21, 2003
Approved FJG 06/12/03
ATTENDANCE: Bruce Kimmel, Chairman; Matt Miklave; Ken Baker; Doug Sutton.
PUBLIC HEARING ON THE FOLLOWING:
Mr. Kimmel opened the public hearing at 7:45PM. He began the public hearing by recognizing the Mayor Alex A. Knopp in the audience and Fred Gilden, the City Comptroller. Mr. Kimmel gave the Mayor the courtesy of saying a few words on each of the topics set for public discussion.
Mayor Knopp began by thanking the members of the Council and the public for their commitment to the issues. He said that even with the dramatic cut backs proposed by the State, it was still a high priority to make the tax system as fair as possible for the citizens of Norwalk. He stated that he was very happy about the tax deferral programs proposed, especially that which would help those seniors that were house rich and cash poor. Property tax, he added, was the second largest drain on any available cash, right after medical bills. He explained that the proposed tax deferral ordinance would provide a higher level of relief without being a permanent subsidy. The money would be paid back when the home was sold. He continued to say that he was in favor of the Veteran Property Tax Exemption ordinance because it was small show of appreciation for those who put their lives on the line to protect our country. He gave his strong support for the proposed Rowayton Volunteer Tax credit, stating that the volunteers worked well with the Norwalk Fire Dept. He also encouraged passing the ordinance in order to give an incentive to serve as volunteers. Mayor Knopp continued to state that he appreciated Mr. Miklave's suggestion that the City adopt an ordinance to offer a tax exemption for ambulance type vehicles. He closed by saying he wished a higher tax relief could be offered to all citizens of Norwalk, but the budget was very tight due to all the cutbacks from the state.
1. PROPOSED ORDINANCE CHANGE FOR ELDERLY TAX DEFERRAL PROGRAM
Mr. Kimmel then spoke briefly about the change in income level qualification that was being proposed with the tax deferral program for the elderly, as well as the qualifying market value of the property. He said the proposal recommended increasing the qualifying income by $4,000 and the qualifying property value would remain at $517,000.
He then introduced the first speaker.
Ms. Maines, a resident of Willow Street, voiced her support for the proposed changes. She brought to light an article published in the Advocate that basically stated that the property tax burden would revert to the new owner if there were unpaid taxes at the time of purchase. Mr. Kimmel asked Mr. Whitman in the audience to address the article. Mr. Whitman indicated that the article was incorrect.
Mr. Epstein, a resident of Wake-Robin Road and Director of the Senior Services Council, expressed her strong support for the ordinance. He said, the seniors would be slow to take advantage of the process but as time went on and they were made more aware of the advantage, they would be more apt to utilize it.
Ms. O'Sullivan, a resident of Norwalk, voiced her support for the ordinance. She however, did suggest that the qualifying income be raised.
Mr. Axmis, resident and Secretary for the Rowayton Civic Association, gave his support for the proposed ordinance
2. PROPOSED VETERAN PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION ORDINANCE
Mr. Kimmel stated that the proposal gave a $5,000 deduction from the assessed value of the property. The qualifying income was $25.4K single, 31K for married couples. Mr. Miklave inquired if the ordinance that gave veterans an additional exemption on state taxes, required that the veteran to have been honorable discharged. Mr. Whitman in the audience, indicated with a nod, that it did not matter.
3. PROPOSED ROWAYTON VOLUNTEER TAX CREDIT ORDINANCE
Mr. Barbas, a resident of Rowayton, voiced his support for the volunteer tax credit ordinance. He gave some statistics citing the current number of active members and call responses per firefighter, all in an effort to emphasize the vital role the volunteer firefighters have in the town of Rowayton. Speaking on behalf of the host company, where he is currently the Treasurer, he said that they would be willing to agree to a cap on the abatement amount because not many of the volunteers had homes. Many however, do own other personal properties such as cars, and he would like the abatement to apply to that as well.
Ms. Bain, Council member and resident of Wilson Ave, spoke in favor of the proposed tax deferral for seniors. She said that the proposal was an enabling ordinance that did not necessarily have a dollar amount. She spoke of the donations that had been given over the years in support of the volunteer firefighters as well as the sense of community the department adds. She pointed out how costs for paid service would increase if the volunteers did not exist. She strongly urged that the ordinance be passed so that younger volunteers could afford to live in the city.
Mr. Queskin, a 30 resident of Norwalk and Chairperson for the
6th taxing district, voiced his support for the proposed ordinances: tax deferral
for seniors and volunteer firefighters tax credit.
He went on to cite that many of the retired residents of Norwalk were on a
fixed income, which made the deferral a welcome help with the rising cost
of taxes. He expressed agreement with Councilwoman Bain that the city benefited
tremendously from the participation of the volunteer firefighters and that
an incentive should be given to encourage more participation. He felt that
they were very deserving of the abatement and strongly gave his support to
pass the ordinance.
Mr. Duckworth, a resident of Crocked Trail Ave, and a volunteer
firefighter gave some background on his service as well as the high standards
set by the volunteer department. Briefly, he stated that most of the volunteer's
pass the certification course called Firefighter I, which met the standards
set by the Fire Association. He continued to state that the volunteers give
about 70 hours annually plus some even give an additional 25 weekend hours
on top of that. He strongly urged that the ordinance be passed in favor.
Mr. Bruset, a resident of Rowayton, gave his support of the proposed tax credit.
He said he truly appreciated the volunteer firefighters when his house had
caught on fire earlier in 2002. He said they know the roads and that was key
in saving his house from completely being burned to the ground. He strongly
urged that the ordinance be passed because the volunteers were very needed
and were a strong part of the community.
4. PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION ORDINANCE FOR AMBULANCE-TYPE VEHICLES
Mr. Miklave originally made this proposal and went over briefly, the purpose of the ordinance. He explained that the cost for modifying a vehicle to make it handicap accessible historically has caused the vehicle to be taxed higher. The proposed ordinance would give a break on that. He stated that companies charging fees to use vehicles that were handicap accessible such as the special buses, were not eligible. He then entered into the record, a letter of support from the president of the United Way of Norwalk, Mr. Kennedy, which expressed strong support in favor of the proposed ordinance.
Mr. Kimmel explained that the Council would discuss the proposals and assess what the cost would be. After which, decisions would be made on how to fund the proposals in the operating budget.
Mr. Kimmel then closed the public hearing at 8:30PM
Respectfully submitted,
Michele Montgomery
Telesco Secretarial Services
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