Ellington Residents Brace for Potential Property Tax Hike

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  Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, March 12th 2026 at 12:15 GMT by Patch
      Locale: UNITED STATES

ELLINGTON, CT - March 12, 2026 - Ellington residents are bracing for potential increases in their property tax bills as the Town Council deliberates a proposed adjustment to the town's mill rate. The current rate of 33.65 mills is under consideration for a hike to 34.14 mills, a change that, while seemingly small, could have a significant impact on homeowners and renters alike.

The debate centers around balancing the town's financial needs with the affordability for its residents. Town Council members emphasize the necessity of the increase to offset rising operational costs and maintain vital town services, while acknowledging the potential burden it places on taxpayers, particularly those on fixed incomes.

Understanding the Mill Rate

For those unfamiliar, the mill rate is the tax rate used to calculate property taxes. It represents the amount of tax levied for every $1,000 of assessed property value. A mill is equivalent to $1 of tax for every $1,000 in assessed value. Therefore, a 33.65 mill rate means that a homeowner with a property assessed at $300,000 would pay $10,095 in property taxes (300,000 / 1,000 * 33.65 = $10,095). The proposed increase to 34.14 mills for that same property would result in a tax bill of $10,242 - a difference of $147 annually.

While $147 might seem negligible to some, Town Council member Don Shockley stresses the importance of even incremental changes. "Every cent counts," he stated. "We're talking about cumulative effects, and for many residents, particularly seniors and those on limited incomes, even a small increase can be a significant hardship."

The Factors Driving the Proposed Increase

The Town Council cites several factors contributing to the need for a mill rate adjustment. Rising costs for essential services like public safety (police and fire), education, road maintenance, and waste management are all playing a role. Inflation, a consistent concern over the past several years, continues to drive up the price of everything from fuel and materials to labor.

Beyond these immediate costs, Ellington is also facing long-term financial pressures. The town's aging infrastructure requires ongoing maintenance and eventual replacement, and the demand for town services is expected to increase as the population grows. The Council aims to proactively address these challenges to prevent more substantial tax increases in the future.

Resident Concerns

The proposed increase has already sparked concern among Ellington residents. Tom DeMilio, a long-time resident, voiced a common fear: "It's going to make it difficult for some people to afford to live here." He urged the Council to explore alternative solutions to keep taxes down, potentially through streamlining town operations or identifying new revenue sources.

These concerns are not unique to Ellington. Across Connecticut, and indeed the nation, communities are grappling with similar challenges as they strive to balance fiscal responsibility with affordability. The conversation often involves difficult trade-offs, requiring careful consideration of residents' needs and the long-term health of the town.

Public Hearing Scheduled

The Town Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed mill rate adjustment on March 14th at 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall. This provides residents with a crucial opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns directly to the Council. Council member Laura Russo emphasized the importance of community input: "We want to hear from the community. This is a big decision, and we want to make sure that we're making the right choice."

The Council is expected to consider all public comments before making a final decision on the mill rate, which will likely occur in the following weeks. Residents are encouraged to attend the hearing and participate in the discussion. The meeting will also be livestreamed on the town's website for those unable to attend in person. Further details and related documents, including the proposed budget, are available on the Town of Ellington official website at www.ellington-ct.gov (link verified as of today's date).