Page 32 - North Haven Magazine Issue 12 Winter 2020

A Message From

As we move into the year 2020, we continue to work on our new budget for the
upcoming fiscal year.

am pleased to announce that there will not be a mill rate increase this year. This
would be the second consecutive year without a mill rate increase and it is largely
I due to our focus here in town on solid financial management, combined with Michael J. Freda
new businesses coming to town as part of a very diligent economic development
strategy that I spend a great deal of time on. First Selectman

From a financial standpoint, we will balance another budget this fiscal year, we
will remain AAA rated by the rating agencies and we will continue to fund all of our pension obligations which are so
critical for every municipality in terms of how they are viewed financially. We will continue to not only maintain all of
our services to our residents but we will also look to improve upon those services. We will also continue to look for
financial efficiencies and a good example of that was this past year when we refinanced our bonds and saved the town
$565,000 over the next two years in debt service.

From an economic development standpoint, Amazon with almost 5,000 jobs here in the North Haven facility has
now become the number one tax payer in our town of North Haven.

We have seen significant growth here in town this past year which contributes to helping stabilize our mill rate. I
recently announced a 9.7% grand list growth here in North Haven that will be the highest growth rate in the entire state
of Connecticut this year. This grand list growth is primarily due to all of the new businesses that have come to town,
the old plazas that have been renovated and significant growth in personal property within the Amazon facility.
Over on Universal Drive, construction has begun on the new hotel and the soon to be brand new Panera Bread. Over
at Toys R Us, Baby’s R Us and Ulta, I am soon to announce a major retailer coming to town that I have been alluding
to for quite some time. That announcement has only been held up because the attorneys representing both the plaza
owner and retailer are finalizing the lease agreement between those two parties.

On Rt. 5 Washington Avenue new businesses will be coming this year to:

1. The former site of Old Glory
2. The former Boston Market
3. The Old Dell’Oro plaza next to the D’angelos
4. The Old Howard Johnsons at the Fair Grounds

As I look to continue to try to get better at everything that we do, what is next?

One of my many goals be will continue to bring new businesses in for additional tax revenue and then find a way to
reduce the mill rate for our fine citizens here in town.

The future is very bright and, on a personal note, I wanted to let each of you know that I love you very much and for
as long as I am your First Selectman we will never be derailed in achieving the high goals and standards that I have
set for our great town.

Sincerely, 18 Church Street • 203-239-5321 • www.northhaven-ct.gov
Michael Freda