Hamden Provides Tax Relief to Seniors!

By Ann DeMatteo, Assistant Metro Editor
adematteo@nhregister.com

HAMDEN — The Legislative Council added a new member Wednesday night, and with Republican Raeanne V. Curtis on board, there was a unanimous vote to provide a second year of tax relief for elderly and disabled residents.

The tax relief program would be equivalent to a tax freeze for the 2011-12 fiscal year. Some senior and disabled residents may even see a tax reduction if the value of their houses declined enough during revaluation, officials said.

The council recently tabled the tax relief ordinance, though it was approved in committee, because the town attorney needed to review some wording in the ordinance.

Last year, 752 families participated in the program, producing a revenue loss of about $800,000. The cost to extend the freeze for a second year is $60,430.

Tax relief will be $1,000 to $1,500, depending on income. Single people whose income is less than $16,151 would receive $1,500 in tax relief. The same goes for a married couple earning less than $19,751.

Single applicants whose income is $16,151 to $32,300 will get $1,000, and those who are married and earn $19,751 to $39,500 would get $1,000.

The ordinance has a provision that any eligible applicant whose July 1 tax bill increases by more than $500 will receive a tax credit equal to that increase.

“If tax bills are greater than in 2010, there will be an additional benefit,” said Chief Administrative Officer Curt Balzano Leng.

Council members said they were happy the town was able to provide the relief for another year.

“This is one of the best programs we have in the town,” said council President James Pascarella, D-at large. “I’m please to see it’s utilized. It’s critical to provide this assistance, and I hope those eligible realize it’s there.

People should contact the assessor’s office for more information.

Last week, Republican Craig Cesare resigned his council seat because he is now the town public works director. Also last week, the Republican Town Committee nominated Curtis to fill the vacancy. The council then unanimously certified the selection, and Curtis was sworn in by Judge of Probate Salvatore Diglio.



Curtis first served Hamden as chief aide to the late Mayor John DeNicola Jr. from 1985-87. She later was chief of staff for the state Consumer Protection and Public Works departments; deputy commissioner for the state Department of Transportation; and state Department of Public Works commissioner for three years until December.

Democrats and Republicans said they were impressed with her resume. They also thanked Cesare for his work on the council the last three years. Cesare, who was in the audience, told the council he couldn’t think of a better person to fill his seat. “She has a resume a mile long; lengths beyond most of us.”

“In bipartisan fashion, I would like to welcome her. We met many moons ago when I was a Republican. She’s accumulated an absolutely fabulous resume,” said Councilwoman Carol Noble, D-at large.

“Thank you for your kind words. I look forward to working with all of you because I know we all share and have feelings for what’s good for the town and its people,” Curtis said before taking her seat at the council table.

During a caucus after the meeting, Republicans chose Curtis to be minority leader, a role that belonged to Cesare. Curtis now serves on the Police Commission, but hasn’t decided whether she’ll resign. She will decide in a few months whether she will seek election to the council.

Call Ann DeMatteo at 203-789-5716.