Grand list inches up in Beacon Falls

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BEACON FALLS — The town’s grand list increased slightly for the second year in a row.

The town’s 2018 net grand list is nearly $479 million, an increase of $5.97 million, or 1.26 percent, over the 2017 grand list.

A municipality’s grand list is a tabulation of the assessed values of real estate, personal property and motor vehicles. Based on the town’s 2018-19 tax rate of 35.9 mills, the increase in the grand list equates to about $214,580 in additional tax revenue.

This is the second straight year the grand list has seen some growth after a $25 million drop in the 2016 grand list due to a decline in the value of most homes following a property revaluation.

“I am hoping that it is a sign of an improved economic climate,” First Selectman Christopher Bielik said. “Obviously, the state has been kind of treading water since the great recession in 2007 and 2008. Housing markets are coming back slowly — slower than most everybody would like to see. I think seeing a positive moving forward is a hopeful sign,” Bielik said.

The assessed value of real estate increased by $4.2 million, or 1.05 percent, to $407 million.

Assessor June Chadderton said the increase was largely due to new construction of homes at Oakwood Estates and Chatfield Farms, a private community for people 55 years old and older, as well as building permits for additions and improvements on existing homes.

The assessed value of personal property remained nearly flat, increasing by about $89,000, or 0.35 percent, to $25.2 million.

The assessed value of motor vehicles increased by $1.6 million, or 3.72 percent, to $46.7 million.

Chadderton said the increase was due to the large number of new vehicle purchases in town.

Bielik said the town is poised to have a better increase in the grand list next year.

“We do have some additional opportunities for economic development we are working on,” Bielik said. “If we can bring a couple of those home, we might show an even bigger increase for next year. Let’s cross our fingers and see if we can get a couple of things across the finish line.”

Top 10 taxpayers

Connecticut Light & Power Co….$10,290,250

Two North Main LLC….$10,045,670

United Rentals North America Inc.….$3,516,150

Murtha Enterprises Inc.….$3,135,130

EG Home LLC….$2,909,440

Aquarion Water Co. of Connecticut….$2,886,860

SMSP-Connecticut LLC….$2,379,210

Murtha Industrial Four LLC….$2,342,040

CRC Development LLC….$2,087,250

Seymour Beacon Falls LLC….$1,844,170

The figures denote the combined real estate, personal property and motor vehicle assessments for the taxpayers listed. Figures provided by the Beacon Falls Assessor’s Office.