Democratic leaders of the state Senate are proposing an increase to the Payment In Lieu of Taxes program, which reimburses municipalities for tax exempt college, hospitals, and state-owned properties. The proposal would be phased in, and would set up a three-tiered system.
Danbury Republican Mayor Mark Boughton says municipalities are thankful for any funding they can get from the state. Danbury Hospital has a significant amount of square footage in the City and is adding more.
But Boughton says he's disappointed the plan exempts state universities, noting that West Conn has a large footprint in Danbury.
Boughton says the state has lost it's priorities, but this is something that's a worthwhile investment. He says he will watch this proposal carefully as it moves through the General Assembly.
Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney has proposed 50-percent payment for the 20 municipalities with the most PILOT properties, 45-percent for the next 20 and 40-percent for the rest. Currently reimbursements are about 33-percent.