Copyright Joliet, IL Patch
Newtown Legislative Council OKs $327,500 for 2026 revaluation, reviews veterans tax changes, and discusses HVAC and well field projects. NEWTOWN, CT — The Newtown Legislative Council on Oct. 15 approved a $327,500 special appropriation for the town’s 2026 property revaluation and referred updates to the veterans’ property tax exemption ordinance for further review. The appropriation, requested by the Tax Assessor’s Office, will fund the next state-mandated revaluation effective Oct. 1, 2026. Finance Director Glenys Salas said the project cost came in lower than expected, thanks to the use of data mailers instead of house-by-house inspections. The revaluation will include $298,000 for contracted services and $29,500 for aerial mapping and assessment support, which will continue as an annual subscription in the fiscal year 2027 budget. Finance and Budget Outlook Salas presented the September budget report, noting that the town’s general fund remains strong, with an unassigned balance at about 9 percent of the operating budget. She said the Employee Medical Self-Insurance Fund continues to run higher than anticipated but does not pose a risk to the town’s cash position. Meetings with the Board of Education are ongoing to review health-insurance premiums. Salas also outlined the fiscal year 2027 budget timeline, which begins with department budget submissions in November and culminates in the April 28, 2026, budget referendum. Veterans’ Property Tax Exemption Under Review The council voted to refer Chapter 208, Article V of the town code—covering supplemental veterans’ property tax exemptions—to the Ordinance Committee for updates. Council member John Zachos said the review follows new state legislation signed by Gov. Ned Lamont that expands eligibility and benefits for disabled veterans. Proposed amendments include revisions to base exemptions, income thresholds, and local enhancements for income-qualified disabled veterans. Infrastructure and Project Updates First Selectman Jeff Capeci reported that negotiations continue regarding 6 Commerce Road, where changes to a state-mandated deed restriction are being finalized with the Department of Administrative Services. Once complete, the updated restriction will be recorded on the deed. Capeci also updated the council on the ongoing Aquarion Water Co. well-field restoration, noting that an emergency water connection is in place and that the town, state agencies, and Housatonic Railroad meet biweekly to coordinate riverbed repairs. In his written report, Capeci said work on the C.H. Booth Library HVAC system is on schedule and within budget, and that negotiations are continuing on the sale of 3 Main Street and a potential ground lease for property surrounding the Shelton and Kent Houses at Fairfield Hills. The meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m.
