Simsbury Board of Selecrtmen Public Hearing Tax Abatement

Board of Selectmen Public Hearing – Tax Abatement for Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Personnel

The Town Ordinance states, “to encourage others to become firefighters and ambulance personnel.”

There are certain criteria that are required to obtain an abatement.

All personnel salaried and volunteers in both volunteer associations can receive the abatement.

Last year the abatements for the Fire Department for 78 people was #115, 920 and the abatements for the ambulance personnel was $12,000 for 6 people.

Chairman Rob Pomeroy of the Board of Finance tasked Lisa Heavner to research the value of abatements.

The minutes reflect the presentation of the report submitted by Lisa Heavner as a member of the Board of Finance September 17, 2019, on the results of her research into the value of abatements and she concluded that abatements as a tool are not effective and reduce the tax base adding a burden on the taxpayers.

Avon has AMR for their ambulance service and does not provide abatements to staff. It is a self-funding operation.

Before the Board of Selectmen redistributes tax money through abatements, they should review whether they are accomplishing their intent to encourage volunteering in the community with abatements.