The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM), a nonpartisan organization representing 169 municipalities in the state, has formed a commission tasked with developing a strong tax-relief program while providing efficient and cost-effective local services. The Center for State and Local Finance will provide technical advisory assistance for the project under associate director Laura Wheeler.
Connecticut has the third highest property tax burden in the country: $2,847 compared to the national average of $1,518. Not only has the tax burden created numerous legal battles through tax appeals, local governments dependent on high property taxes also face potential economic development issues because high property taxes can be unattractive to potential businesses and residents.
All states have property tax of some kind, but the rates can vary widely. Local governments, in particular, use property taxes the fund essential services such as public education, wastewater treatment and roads.
For more information on the project, check out these articles:
- CCM group aiming to make local property taxes election issue
- CT municipalities group creates initiative to reduce property taxes
