TOWN'S TAX CALCULATOR NOW ONLINE

By Kym Soper
Journal Inquirer
Published: Friday, April 11, 2008 11:52 AM EDT

VERNON — The town’s Web site has been updated to allow residents to find out how much they’ll owe in property taxes for 2008-‘09 by plugging in their last name or address.

The new tax calculator feature is for information purposes only and takes into account the phase-in for revaluation, the tax rate for the proposed budget, and the 2007 grand list, Mayor Jason L. McCoy said.

It’s not to be considered a final tally, as changes could occur prior to the printing of the tax bill, McCoy said.

The new tool will be handy for not only taxpayers, but also real estate agents or lawyers conducting closings, he said.

By typing in a last name first, a resident can find what they’re expected to pay in taxes for next fiscal year under the proposed budget. They can also, by entering the name of any street in town, find the tax bills for all houses and properties on that road.

Residents can also use their credit or debit card to pay the bill online, according to McCoy.

“It’s perfect for the person who works odd hours and wants to take care of things at midnight or 6 a.m.,” he said.

While the tax rate has been available since the budget was set two weeks ago, town officials found it difficult to determine the affect on individual taxpayers because of variables, such as the second phase-in for revaluation.

Town Assessor David Wheeler also “had to go back and audit each individual property and make sure all exemptions were correct,” McCoy said.

There are about 19,000 property owners on the tax rolls.

The tax rate stands at 30.28 mills for the proposed $75.45 million budget, which reflects a 3.65 percent increase over the current $72.79 million spending plan.

School spending increases 2.78 percent to $45.37 million, up from $44.15 million this year, while the town’s general government side of spending grows to $25.08 million, a 2.66 percent increase over this year’s $24.43 million budget.

Approximately one third of the total budget increase is caused by debt service on bonded projects.

The combined school and town budget goes before voters in an annual town meeting, scheduled April 22, 7:30 p.m. at the Vernon Center Middle School, 777 Hartford Turnpike.

Copies of the budget can be viewed at the Town Clerk’s Office, the Rockville Public Library, and the Senior Center.

To find your tax bill calculation online, go the town’s website at www.vernon-ct.gov

On the far right of the page, under news and events, click on Check Your 2008-2009 Tax Bill.