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Prepared by: Citizens’ Research Education Network,
Hartford Public Library, and Hartford 2000
There were 48 items on the agenda. The next Council meeting will be Monday, February 23, 2004 at 7 PM. It will be preceded by a special public hearing that will begin at 6 PM. The purpose of the special public hearing will the discussion of the recommendations of the Property Tax Task Force. (See below.)
Property Tax Recommendations: The Council referred to the Finance and Revenue Committee and to a special public hearing on February 23 at 6 PM in Council Chambers the report of the Property Tax Task Force. According to the report, some homeowners could see their taxes increase 70% - 80% as a result of the revaluation. Since home ownership would be negatively affected by this increase, the Task Force is recommending that several changes be made in the tax structure:
- Implementation of a Homestead Exemption that would provide tax relief for people who live in their own homes:
- Implementation of a surcharge on vacant parcels to encourage the development of vacant and blighted properties: and,
- Elimination of the current business surcharge.
Making these changes would require legislative changes at the state level so the resolution argues that the City Council should adopt these changes as part the City's legislative agenda.
Funds for the Façade Program and The Neighborhoods of Hartford: The Council passed a resolution transferring funds from the Hartford Remodeler Program to the Façade Improvement Program and to The Neighborhoods of Hartford, Inc. The Hartford Remodeler Program helped Hartford owner-occupants to upgrade and renovate their homes. According to the resolution the funds were underutilized. The funds from the program will be divided between the Façade Improvement Program ($425,000) and The Neighborhoods of Hartford ($101,342). The Neighborhoods of Hartford administers the Mayor's Homeownership Initiatives in the Rising Star and Pride Blocks. The Management and Budget Committee reviewed the resolution and recommended passage.
Office of Substance Abuse Prevention: The Council passed on consent a resolution recommending that the Mayor authorize the Department of Health and Human Services develop an Office of Substance Abuse Prevention. The resolution recommends that the office be started by redeploying existing services and seeking additional resources for the Office.
If you have any questions about the agenda call Greg Vickers at CREN, 509-3701 or Richard Frieder at the Hartford Public Library, 695-6365. The Council Preview is a joint project of the Citizens' Research Education Network and the Hartford Public Library. |
