To the Editor:

One important objective when the state mandated that property revaluations be conducted every four years instead of every ten years was to correct what determined to be an excess burden of taxation on Connecticut businesses. This was one of several adjustments coming from Hartford in efforts to deal with the budget imbalance, and Newtown homeowners are feeling the impact this year.

You may ask, what has Newtown’s chief executive, Herb Rosenthal, been doing to solidify the commercial tax base and reduce the pressure on the mill rate? The construction for Phase I of the Hawleyville Sewer Line was just one of the completed projects that will lead to new tax revenue, which enabled the Library of Newtown project.

Upon completion, the estimated addition to the grand list for total revenue taxes in Newtown will be approximately $31.5 million dollars. The existing mill rate of 23.4 represents annual revenue of almost three-quarters of a million dollars.

This is just one of the many examples of how our First Selectman Herb Rosenthal has helped businesses in Newtown.

Sincerely,

Richard C. Barillari

15 Old Castle Drive, Newtown                                October 15, 2003