A Friendly Reminder to Pay a Not-So-Friendly Tax Bill: Buzaid Blasts Latest Hike

**News Release Submitted by Buzaid Campaign**

July 30, 2025

City Councilman and the Republican Nominee for Mayor, Emile Buzaid, is issuing a reminder to Danbury residents — not just to pay their property tax bill this summer, but to take a hard look at why that bill is going up again.

Homeowners will feel the property tax rate rise from 24.44 to 24.99 mills to cover a $17,250,000 increase in the city budget, which is a surge of 5.5% in spending – driven by Mayor Roberto Alves. Yet, this wasn’t the first time Roberto Alves raised taxes; he did so just last year to cover an increase of $15,900,000 in spending.

“Once again, the people of Danbury are being asked to pay more, without a clear explanation of where it is all going,” stated Emile Buzaid. “I voted against both of these tax hikes because raising taxes should not become the default, it must remain the last resort. My administration would focus on growing the grand list, not tax burdens.”

Buzaid highlighted that the grand list and the local economy have remained stagnant since Alves took office. “The grand list only grew 0.2% between 2023 and 2024. The figure is disappointing, but highlights the need to retain low property tax to incentivize businesses and residents to stay here for our workforce. Increasing property taxes does the opposite,” reaffirmed Buzaid.

An additional tax burden will be felt by car owners, who are feeling the strain after a recent state law change. Democrat state legislators approved to set the top rate of depreciation at 85% of a vehicle's MSRP. This policy change, which Roberto Alves failed to speak out against, and continues to fail in doing so as the Democratic State Party Chair, has resulted in anguish.

“Danbury taxpayers deserve clarity, not confusion. Luckily, my opponent’s history and my record are very clear: Alves will continue to increase your taxes, while I will not. Instead, I intend on expanding our grand list and advocating for our taxpayers of this great city so everyone can afford to prosper and stay,” concluded Buzaid.

You have until Monday, August 4th, 2025, to pay your property and motor vehicle taxes, without penalty.