Stratford Mayor Addresses Property Tax Hike Concerns at Town Hall Meeting

Stratford Mayor David Chess Addresses Looming Property Tax Hike at Town Hall

STRATFORD — As residents brace for higher property tax bills, Mayor David Chess and town officials are actively seeking solutions to mitigate the financial impact of last year’s property revaluation. During a Town Hall meeting on April 21, 2026, Chess outlined his administration’s strategies to address the challenges posed by the significant increase in home values, which soared by as much as 80% for many properties.

The state-mandated revaluation has brought both good news and bad. While many homeowners are seeing their property values rise, the corresponding spike in property taxes has left many residents concerned about their financial futures. In response, the Democratic-controlled Town Council approved a phased approach to the new values in the 2026-27 municipal budget, starting with a 33% implementation.

In addition to this phased approach, the council is exploring various measures to provide relief. One significant initiative is a formal study of the state’s new Homestead Act Exemption. If adopted locally, this exemption could allow the town to artificially reduce real estate values for owner-occupied buildings, thereby lowering tax bills for residents.

Recently, the ordinance committee voted unanimously to revise income eligibility for Stratford’s senior and disabled tax relief program. The new guidelines, set to be presented to the full council on July 13, will raise the income threshold from $16,100 to $23,300, allowing more residents to qualify for tax credits. Additionally, the maximum income cap will increase from $46,900 to $70,000, providing much-needed relief to those on fixed incomes.

“This will bring additional relief to those who need it the most,” Mayor Chess stated, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to supporting vulnerable populations. Council President Anthony Afriyie echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of considering the financial pressures faced by seniors.

However, the timeline for implementing these changes is complicated. The deadline for applying for the expanded relief program was May 15, and those who missed it will have to wait until next spring. Furthermore, the tax bills recently mailed out do not reflect the new adjustments, prompting the Chess administration to advise residents to pay the current amounts to avoid accruing interest.

In a bid to further alleviate financial burdens, the Water Pollution Control Authority has proposed lowering residential sewer rates while increasing charges for commercial users, who did not experience the same property value increases. The new residential rate will drop from $569.39 to $469.39, providing additional savings for homeowners.

As the council continues to explore options for property tax relief, Chess remains optimistic about the potential benefits of the Homestead Act Exemption. “The logistics of implementing this option are significant, and we want to ensure our tax assessor’s office is not overwhelmed,” he noted.

With the July council meeting approaching, residents are hopeful that these initiatives will provide the necessary relief as they navigate the challenges of rising property taxes. As Mayor Chess and town officials work diligently to address these concerns, the community remains engaged and eager for solutions.