Representative Town Meeting Special Meeting Materials (linked)

First Selectman’s statement to RTM prior to action on Tax Deferment 4.20.20
Mr, Moderator:
| appreciate the opportunity to add a few words to the recommendation | have
already conveyed to the RTM, that it elect the 3 month deferment of tax and sewer
bills, as the best way to provide maximum relief to Waterford taxpayers and séwer
customers.
As | indicated in my letter, the rate reduction program provides very modest
financial benefit to most who would be affected and would be cumbersome to
manage administratively. So | believe the 3 month deferments are the best
alternative AND should be extended to all (except the special category of landlords)
WITHOUT the necessity of demonstrating hardship by an application, for the
following reasons: ;
lam pleased to share with you that | have reached out to Dominion, which has
confirmed they will be paying their ENTIRE annual tax bill in July, which, combined
with the escrow revenue, assures us we have adequate funds to operate during the
deferment period.
| would submit to you these extraordinarily difficult times for our residents and
businesses dictate that we share our town government’s good fortune with as many
in Waterford as possible. | do so for the simple reason that while everyone may not
necessarily reach OPM’s guidance of a 20% decline in recent income, virtually NO
ONE has been spared some sort of adverse impact by the pandemic. Whether in
the form of financial hardship, health issues for family or friends, radical alteration
and how they function each day or just plain life altering stress levels, EVERYONE
has been hurt by COVID-19.
The revenue will be there after the deferment and we can weather the delay in
receiving these funds. | will also be encouraging all who can pay in July to do so and
would ask you to do the same and | believe large numbers will do just that.
Let’s pass on the benefit of our positive revenue cash flow to all taxpayers without
exception and without making people jump through hoops to get something our
town can afford to offer without condition. It’s the right thing to do and the way we
look out for one another here in Waterford. | thank you and the RTM for your time
and consideration and for your service to our great Town. My team will be available
to answer any questions. ‘
Respectfully submitted, ISflHy oP &s
Rob Brule, First Selectman