Agriculture Commission Fuming–Blames North Branford Town Assessor

At the , farmers in attendance were outraged by a list provided by Town Assessor Christine Barta that named all of the farms eligible for a property tax exemption–and many of their farms were not on that list. The exemption is for farms that make at least $15,000 anual income and have building structures designated for farming activities.

The Town Council delayed any action and suspended the issue until an appropriate list can be presented. Nearly three weeks later, the Agriculture Commission held its meeting on Aug. 1 where many members shared their feelings on the issue.

"She didn't do her job right, it's not right," said Joe of Barta. "She gave the wrong form to the Council and it made us look very bad. Something's wrong with our town. I'm disappointed. She's saying our farms aren't in that group. She should've stood up and said, 'I made a mistake.'"

Carol Zebb, a member of the Agricultural Commission, insists that she never saw the completed list before it was given to the council by Barta. 

"I asked [Barta], 'Do you want me to help you review it after you generate your list?' and she said, 'No.' She refused," said Zebb.

The Town Council will come to an agreement on how much of exemption the farmers will be eligible to receive. Commission Chairman Cliff Potter says the amount may be lower than other towns. 

"Every town has done $100,000," said DeFrancesco, "I don't agree with our town doing less. The town can buy my land for $5 million and I'll leave."

"They've been stonewalling you on this for years," said Dudley Harrison of the town to DeFrancesco. 

Zebb stepped in to remind the commission that Barta has been the Assessor for only two years now and does not know every farm yet. 

The Commission is set to meet with Barta on Thursday, Aug. 4 to review her revised list and ensure that there is an appropriate list to present at the Town Council's continuation hearing on Tuesday, Aug. 9. 

"Here's out chance to look better," said Potter, "but it's going to take work." 

"I don't care about this," said DeFrancesco gathering his papers and standing up, "I'll pay the taxes. I'm gonna leave. This town agriculture commission sucks," he said storming out of the meeting room. 

"I'm not enjoying this chairmanship anymore," said Potter, "It's not fun anymore, which is a real shame, but I'm not going to give up." 

Potter urged the members of the commission who know the town better to attend the meeting and assist Barta in creating a satisfactory list. 

The discussion came to a close after Potter presented the commission with an anonymous letter he received. The letter named several farmers and describes in dollar amounts federal subsidies that certain individuals are receiving from the government. 

Zebb explained that whoever wrote the letter is suggesting that there is no reason to give farmers tax exemptions when they are receving money from the federal government. 

Commission member Gerald Adinolfi was on the list as having received over $5,000 in federal subsidies. 

"This is not true," said Adinolfi holding the list. "I did not get a dime. I wish I had," he laughed. 

"Someone's not a fan of the farmers," said Potter, "but if they're not man or woman enough to sign their name, I'm not going to give it much consideration," said Potter. "It's someone trying to make a statement who's too scared to make a statement."