By now everyone knows about Ansonia’s tax trouble. This year saw the mill rate increase from 27.64 to 39.34 mills, leaving taxpayers staring at their home and vehicle tax bills in disbelief. Ansonia now shoulders one of the highest tax burdens in the Valley.
Many residents have asked me why the tax rate increased by such a staggering amount. I have also been asked if this increase could have been prevented.
My research on these questions indicates that the increased tax burden is tied directly to the Della Volpe administration’s failure to prioritize economic development over the last 14 years. I must therefore conclude that Ansonia’s tax trouble could have been avoided with different leadership in city hall.
Simply put, the tax rate increased because Ansonia’s business base is extraordinarily weak. When the recent revaluation exposed a $3 million loss of value in commercial and residential properties, residential property owners were forced to pick-up the slack and pay more than their fair share in taxes.
Why is Ansonia’s business base so weak? An independent report by consulting firm Bartram & Cochran sheds light on this question. The report, dated January 15, 2013 and billed as a ​“Strategic Economic Development Plan,” suggests that city hall dropped the ball on economic development.
Specifically, the independent report states the following about the current status of economic development under the Della Volpe administration:
- “There may have been more of a focus on fair housing issues rather than economic development.”
- “A resounding theme that describes the past few years is that economic development to the extent that it has occurred has happened by accident.”
- “The city’s relationship with business is a difficult one.”
- “Ansonia’s Boards and Commissions could work together more effectively to attract new business.”
- “Zoning has been identified as a stumbling block. Some areas needing fix up may be impeded by zoning.”
- “Key sites (Ansonia Copper & Brass site) still have an environmental cloud hanging over them.”
When a respected and objective source like Bartram & Cochran identifies city hall as a ​“stumbling block” to economic development, a wake-up call is in order!
As the 25-year owner of Ansonia’s BIRM-1 Construction, I know what businesses need to flourish. With the right policies I am absolutely convinced that our damaged business base can be restored. City hall needs to incentivize large-scale investment, make doing business easy for existing business operators and aggressively market Ansonia to the furthest corners of our state (and beyond).
I simply need a chance to get the job done.
The writer is a Republican candidate for mayor.
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