Many Ansonia residents found a surprise at the mailbox this week: property taxes are going up. Way up. Property revaluation and increased city spending have caused the mill rate to jump from 27.65 to over 39 mills.
For many this means devaluated homes with an increase in real estate taxes. For many more it means a sizeable increase in motor vehicle taxes. Ansonia now carries the highest tax burden in the Lower Naugatuck Valley.
This tax trouble should not have been a surprise to anyone paying close attention to city hall for the past decade. Poor fiscal planning and a lack of vision are virtually hallmarks of the current administration.
It took the recent property revaluation to expose the true economic health of the city.
At this point, Ansonia’s condition is critical.
We cannot give up on Ansonia. Here is a straight forward punch list for putting the city back on track:
• Commitment to Economic Development. In 2012 Ansonia’s net grand list totaled $1.145 billion. It has since dropped sharply to $865 million. That is a $280,000 million decline. If we are to reverse this downward trend then rebuilding our tax base must be job number one. Republican newcomers to city hall such as Aldermen John Marini and Charlie Stowe have led the way by crafting innovative initiatives to lure new investors to the city and support existing businesses. These initiatives include a tax incentive program and storefront rehabilitation loans. We need a mayor that shares their aggressive approach to economic development.
• Tax Relief for Seniors. The growing tax burden poses a threat to our most vulnerable residents: senior citizens who depend on fixed incomes. Increased taxes have forced many long-time residents to put up “For Sale” signs. We can do better for our seniors. Other cities have enacted ordinances offering tax relief. Ansonia has yet to explore such programs.
Given the recent tax hike, tax relief programs for seniors should be researched immediately.
Look for Savings…Everywhere.
Ansonia’s yearly budget totals $61 million. Meanwhile Seymour spends $52 million and Derby $37 million. Are their opportunities for savings in Ansonia? Administrators in city hall earn over $1 million per year, with the mayor taking home over $91,000.
I propose that positions can be consolidated and employment contracts renegotiated to create a lean and efficient administration.
Additionally, Ansonia should be persistent in exploring opportunities to consolidate services with neighboring towns.
These challenges cannot wait until budget time to be confronted – the city must make a year-round effort to cut costs.
Does the current administration have the energy and enthusiasm to implement these recommendations? After over a decade of the same officials and the same politics, the answer to that question is clearly “no.” City hall needs a fresh perspective. It needs leadership, for a change.
Ansonia must ready itself to dig out from under a tax landslide.
Who will you trust to do the shoveling?
The writer is seeking the Republican nomination for Ansonia mayor. The Valley Indy accepts guest columns of up to 500 words, with submissions cut if they exceed that limit.
