RTM Agenda and Backup (linked)

FIFTEEN ROPE FERRY ROAD
WATERFORD, CT 06385-2886
PHONE: 860-442-0553
www.waterfordct.org
July 31, 2025
RE: New Veteran’s Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans
Dear Mr. Goldstein:
As Moderator of the RTM, please find attached a memo from Paige Walton regarding a new
benefit for 100% disabled veterans in Waterford for a real estate tax exemption. I support this
additional exemption on behalf of the eligible veterans who have served our country with honor
and distinction. In order for this exemption to be offered to our disabled veterans, it is necessary
to move quickly to have the benefit available for the next tax year commencing October 1, 2025.
Please refer this matter to the appropriate standing committee of the RTM and have the standing
committee work closely with the Town Attorneys to effectuate the ordinance changes necessary
by October 1, 2025.
Your assistance and cooperation are appreciated.
Very truly yours,
Robert J. Brule
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Attachment att)
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ce: Paige Walton, Tax Assessor
David Campo, Town Clerk
Nicholas Kepple, Town Attorney aS
Robert Avena, Town Attorney x

INTERDEPARTMENTAL MEMORANDUM
Date: July 10, 2025
To: Robert Avena, Town Attorney
Robert Brule, First Selectman
From: Paige Walton, Assessor
Subject: PA 25-168
PA 25-168, which includes language amending prior Senate Bill 1276, was signed by the
Governor on June 30" and is effective as of October 1, 2025.
PA 25-168 makes changes to and clarifies the existing tax exemption for qualifying veterans
with a 100% Permanent and Totally Disabled service connected VA rating. As passed, the bill
allows a town to either expand or limit the existing dwelling exemption for P&T veterans.
Municipalities can choose to exempt up to two acres of the qualifying veteran’s lot; extend the
exemption to unmarried surviving spouses of veterans who died prior to the original bill’s
inception date of 10/1/2024; or limit the exemption amount to the median assessed value of
residential real property.
Additionally, under sections 240 & 241, the bill allows for any municipality, by vote of its
legislative body to extend the dwelling exemption to qualifying Gold Star spouses and veterans
with a rating of TDIU (Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability).
Currently there are six veterans with a TDIU rating that did not receive the dwelling exemption
under the veteran’s bill that was passed last year. There is also one Gold Star surviving spouse
that has recently applied for the existing $20,000 exemption, who would qualify for the
dwelling exemption if the municipal option were in place.
if the Town of Waterford chooses to adopt the expanded TDIU and Gold Star exemptions the
estimated tax loss in FY 26-27 based on current applications is approximately $30,000,
Att, : PA25-168