Town Manager's Report - Feb. 4
This issue of the Town Managers' report includes Tax Relief for Seniors, Town Clerk's Valentine's Marriage License Tradition, the Landfill Enterprise Fund and the Grand List.
Tax Relief for Senior Citizens
Applications for Elderly Homeowners tax relief are now being taken in the Windsor Assessor's office and will be accepted until May 15, 2013.
In order to be eligible for this program you must be at least 65 years of age by December 31, 2012, or declared totally disabled by the Social Security Administration. You must also own and occupy your home and meet income requirements.
In addition to the State program, Windsor also offers a Local program. All taxpayers that qualify for the State program will automatically qualify for the Local program.
For more information on this program, please contact the Windsor Assessor's office at (860) 285-1817.
Town Clerk’s Office Annual Marriage License Tradition Continues
The Windsor Town Clerk’s office is offering free marriage licenses on Thursday, February 14th in honor of Valentine’s Day for any couple wanting to get married in Windsor within the next 65 days. This is an annual tradition which began in 1962 by Town Clerk, George Tudan. Licenses in 1962 were only $5.00; in 2013 the gift value is $30.00!
Both parties must be present and need to bring photo identification. The Clerk’s office will be issuing these free licenses from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
In addition, each couple will be eligible to win a beautiful gift basket filled with assorted gift items, which have been donated by our generous local Windsor merchants.
For those who wish to marry immediately, a Justice of the Peace will be available all day however, prior arrangements must be made. For details call the Town Clerk’s office at 860-285-1902 or visit the Town of Windsor’s website.
Landfill Enterprise Fund – Financial Report – FY 2013 YTD
Between July 1 and the end of December 2012, the landfill received 15,672 tons and $1,163,961 in revenues. This represents 89% of the target for the first half of the year. The main factor resulting in the lower than targeted percentage is the reduced amount of tons in revenues from MSW. Demolition and bulky waste tonnage is on target.
Operating Expenses were $115,059 lower than targeted. The main factor in this savings was lower than budgeted contractual services and maintenance repair costs.
Through the first half of the fiscal year, the enterprise fund earned a net operating income of $495,529.
The current fiscal year closure related expenses equal $51,836. Overall the fund has spent $922,725 for closure related expenses in the past 1-1/2 years. These expenses are funded from the enterprise funds retained earnings, or reserve fund.
Over the past 8 years, the amount of waste received at the landfill has varied by type. From 2005 through 2009, the landfill mainly received MSW. Since that time, we have received more demolition and bulky waste than MSW. This is largely due to CRRA no longer disposing waste at the landfill. We are projecting to receive approximately 25-30,000 tons of waste during this fiscal year.
Our reserve fund has grown from approximately $7,000,000 in 2002 to $30,000,000 in FY 2013. These funds are set aside to pay for landfill closure as well as meeting required long-term post closure maintenance and monitoring activities.
October 1, 2012 Grand List
The Town Assessor has completed the October 1, 2012 Grand List.
Overall the Grand List increases approximately $37.5 million. This represents a 1.26% increase. The Net Taxable Grand List totals $3,014,279,336 including the final year of phase-in of the 2008 property revaluation.
Below are the overall changes to each property category.
Real Estate – an increase of $55,422,680 or 2.37%
Vehicles – a decrease of $4,831,310 or -2.42%
Personal Property – a decrease of $13,014,544 or -2.98%
The Real Estate category increased in large part due the expiration of the fixed assessment agreement with ING and partial construction of Dollar Tree distribution.
Motor vehicles declined in value due to depreciation and fewer vehicles registered in Windsor.
Although there was reinvestment in the personal property category it was not great enough to offset depreciation.