While several residents wished to have the issue addressed and a decision rendered before the adjournment of the July 20 meeting, the Town Council ultimately decided to place it on the next meeting's agenda. However, this was not before a motion to add the item was made by Richard Fusco and seconded by Richard DiFederico.

Several residents regarded their property value increases as unwarranted, ranging from 25 to more than 60 percent, making tax bills unmanageable. In bringing their concerns to the Town Council, these residents sought to have the current revaluation voided, which would revert the tax rolls to the 2003 levels.

This became an option when Governor M. Jodi Rell signed a bill allowing Connecticut towns to defer revaluation, but would have to have to have the process redone before 2011. So far, Monroe and Torrington have taken advantage of the law, primarily because of the quality of work done by the revaluation contractors.

Nick Biello brought a petition to the Town Council endorsing this option. It was signed by 147 other residents and would qualify for power of initiative as described in section 308 of the Town Charter.

Section 308 states, "the electors shall have the power to propose to the Council any ordinance or other measure, except an ordinance or resolution appointing or removing officials, appropriating money, authorizing the levy of taxes or fixing the tax rate... Such a proposal shall be made by filing with the Town Clerk a petition making such proposal signed in ink or indelible pencil by not less than fifty qualified electors of the town on the last completed voting list."

While presenting the petition to the Town Council, Mr. Biello stated, "I really wish the town council would reconsider the assessments. I was hoping the town council could act on it tonight."

Council member Gary Bernier, who also served as the Finance Subcommittee chairman during the budget development process, described what would be needed for revaluation postponement.

"First of all, we spent $185,000 and it would cost us an additional $200,000 to do it again," said Mr. Bernier. "The tax bills have gone out and all of the records we have are based on the new revaluation. To go back would be exorbitant overtime."

The overtime Mr. Bernier refers to would be needed by the assessors office. When the issue of deferring revaluation previously came to the Town Council at its June 15 regular meeting, Watertown Tax Assessor Carolyn Nadeau was present and advised against the option.

Ms. Nadeau reported it would have been much more prudent if it was possible last fall.

"I would have to change the grandlist back to the previous set," said Ms. Nadeau. "I've just spent the past eight months updating for revaluation."

Mr. Bernier continued to provide reasoning for sticking with the new revaluation on July 20.

"I don't want to get into a large debate here," said Mr. Bernier. "I believe what you will find is our grand list has dropped, our fees have dropped. I don't want us get lost on the fact we don't have any revenue because the economy is in the pits."

Mr. Biello responded by stating, "that money is gone, it's over with.

"We need to go back to the old assessment and make the taxpayers happy," said Mr. Biello. "It doesn't have to cost the town anything."

Additional residents spoke, detailing their difficulty with their recently received tax bills.

"This is a one-income family," Jackie O'Brien said. "I have to kids in college, and you increased my taxes by $1,800. I can't afford this $1,800. You're talking about business going; you're talking about how you don't have the revenue. Well, we don't either."

Other residents would criticize Watertown's school system for requiring so much funding, and at the superintendent's pay scale. Kevin Killeen, a member of the Board of Education would attempt to correct any misgivings.

"We would welcome any input to our board meetings," said Mr. Killeen. "We are mandated by the state to maintain our buildings. Our passing grade is a 70 and our Superintendent was hired for less than our previous Superintendent and she [Karen Baldwin] flat out said she would not seek a raise and would encourage the same for non-affiliated staff."

Mr. Killeen encouraged resident's questions to be sent to the Board of Education.

After Mr. Fusco made his motion to add revaluation to the agenda, Town Council Chairman Elaine Adams raised several concerns about making a decision so soon.

"I have a lot of questions about this," said Ms. Adams. "Does the petition constitute a citizen's initiative? I don't know. Is it too late? The list goes on and on and there's a lot of questions the public asked."

Ms. Adams would continue by suggesting Town Manager Chuck Frigon liaise with the Town Clerk to confirm the validity of the petition and to contact the Town Council members to get feedback on what course they would like to take.

Mr. Fusco withdrew his motion after gaining assurance the issue would be placed on the next meeting's agenda. The next regular Town Council meeting is expected to be Monday, August 17.