Ridgefield Selectpersons Advance Veterans Exemption Plan, Open Space Swap And Senior Tax Update

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Ridgefield Board of Selectpersons on Nov. 19 advanced several major policy items, including a proposal to expand a state-authorized veterans tax exemption to include certain land values, an 11-acre open-space acquisition through a property swap, and next steps on updating the town’s senior tax relief program.

Veterans Exemption Expansion Moves Forward

Assessor Al Garzi briefed the board on revisions approved by the state that allow municipalities to expand full property tax exemptions for veterans with 100 percent service-connected disabilities. The state law originally covered only the house, leaving land beneath and around it taxable.

Ridgefield has 11 qualifying households. Garzi said including land—up to two acres, as permitted by statute—would exempt an additional $72,000 in assessed value, on top of the $132,000 already exempted for buildings. He noted that most qualifying properties would fall within the two-acre limit.

Selectpersons agreed to have the town attorney draft ordinance language governing acreage limits, median assessment caps and other provisions before setting a public hearing and town meeting.

Arts Council Updates Mission Statement

The Ridgefield Arts Council presented an updated organizational charge, reflecting expanded work in cultural programming and partnerships. Members said the revisions modernize language, emphasize Ridgefield’s state-designated cultural district and broaden references to arts and culture organizations. The board agreed to send the revised charge to legal counsel for ordinance updates.

Compassionate Ridgefield Committee Appointments Approved

Selectpersons unanimously appointed seven residents to the new Compassionate Ridgefield Committee after completing an interview process earlier in the month. Members must be sworn in before participating in formal votes.

2026 Meeting Calendar Adjusted

The board approved its 2026 meeting calendar with minor changes, including removing a February budget workshop and adjusting November meetings to avoid Thanksgiving week. Selectpersons noted the coming budget year will be challenging due to rising debt service costs following recent bonding for school roofs and the Alternative High School project.

Town To Hold Hearings On Public Safety Building Process

The board agreed to schedule two December public hearings to gather resident feedback on the next steps for a revised public safety building plan. The original project failed at referendum earlier this month. Officials said hearings will help shape the charge and composition of a new community committee that will review building needs and potential locations. The hearings will be held Dec. 3 at Town Hall and Dec. 13 at the Annex.

Public Hearing: Eversource Easement For Alternative High School

During a 7:30 p.m. public hearing, officials reviewed an Eversource request for a utility easement to cover underground power lines feeding the Alternative High School building near the dog park. A town meeting is set for Dec. 10. The board also plans to investigate a separate mention of a possible utility pole near the site.

Town Weighs 11-Acre Open-Space Swap On Pound Street

Conservation Commission member Eric Keller detailed an agreement under which a homeowner on Palmer Court would donate 11 acres of environmentally sensitive land on Pound Street in exchange for the town transferring a small piece of open space that overlaps with the homeowner’s backyard. The parcel includes vernal pools, wildlife habitat and a former pond area. A town meeting will be held Dec. 10. Residents at the hearing voiced strong support.

Senior Tax Committee Outlines Proposed Program Changes

Senior Tax Committee chair Gary Roman presented recommendations to modernize Ridgefield’s senior tax relief programs for the first time since 2008. Proposals include:

• Increasing the non-income-tested credit from $1,048 to $1,200 in 2027, and $1,400 in 2028.
• Creating a supplemental credit for low-income seniors with modified adjusted gross incomes up to $65,000.
• Adding a longevity credit for seniors who have owned Ridgefield property for 25 years or more.
• Raising the income limit for the elderly tax deferment program to $85,000.

The full package would increase annual town costs by an estimated $479,000 in 2027 and $572,000 in 2028. Selectpersons asked the town attorney to prepare formal ordinance language before continuing the public hearing.

Other Business

Selectpersons briefly discussed growing capital needs, including fire apparatus replacement, school facility projects and infrastructure repairs, while emphasizing the importance of coordinating long-term planning with grant opportunities and debt service constraints.