NAUGATUCK — The third time proved to be the charm in regards to the borough’s budget.
In October, officials adopted a $112.9 million budget for the 2014-15 fiscal year, which includes a $60.9 million budget for the Board of Education and a $52 million municipal budget.
The spending plan was the third budget adopted after the previous two were rejected at referendums. Since no petitions for a referendum on the third spending plan were brought forward the budget was officially adopted this month.
Under the new budget, the proposed mill rate is 44.34 mills, which is 0.33 mills less than the 2013-14 tax rate.
With the budget set, the borough can move forward with sending out all tax bills.
Borough Tax Collector James Goggin said automobile tax bills were being sent out this week.
If the bill is greater than $300, due dates are half is due on Dec. 1 and the second half is due on Jan. 1.
“We’re hoping people will have at least six weeks in between bills,” Goggin said.
Goggin said the bills have to be paid at least 30 days after the due date to avoid late fees.
The first personal property and real estate tax bills went out in October and were due on Nov. 1, Goggin said.
Goggin said the first tax bills were sent out with using a mill rate of 22.53 mills.
Bills for the second half of personal property and real estate taxes will be sent on Friday, Goggin said. These bills, which are due on Dec. 1, will use a mill rate of 21.84 mills, which is the remaining portion of the mill rate, he said.
Goggin said since the budget wasn’t adopted until later than usual this year, bills will come out around the holiday season.
However, he doesn’t believe that will cause any problems with residents paying their taxes on time.
“Naugatuck taxpayers are very, very good about paying,” Goggin said.
