WALLINGFORD, CT — The Wallingford Town Council holds a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, on an ordinance that would exempt some farm machinery and farm buildings from property taxes, and it may vote on the ordinance the same night, Patch reported from the amended agenda. The meeting is in the Robert F. Parisi Council Chambers at Town Hall, 45 S. Main St.
What the Farm Exemption Would Cost
Assessor Kevin Coons told the council's Ordinance Committee on June 2 that a change in legislation, starting with the 2025 grand list, increased the local exemptions for farm machinery and farm buildings, according to the meeting's minutes. Asked what the town would lose if it took the exemptions as far as they go, Coons put it at about $82,500 in revenue.
About a dozen farms have the farm building exemption, and three or four have a significant amount of farm machinery, Coons told the committee. He said Blue Hills Orchard had contacted the town about the change. The committee's chairman, Councilor Reynolds, said he was in favor, calling farming an important part of Wallingford's history.
Also on the Agenda
Councilor Tatta added an item on where a possible consolidated high school stands and what the council might do about it, Patch reported.
The council will also weigh $50,000 for an Economic Development study of industrial egress, hear from the fire chief about new state laws that let towns give EMTs and firefighters added tax abatements or exemptions, and take up a tentative pension agreement with AFSCME Local 1570. Executive sessions on a property purchase and pending tax appeals are also listed.