Ansonia mayor reminds disabled residents of tax break

Pictured from left, Alderman Lorie Vaccaro, Mayor David S. Cassetti, Ansonia resident Ralph Villers, and Alderman Pat Henri./ Photo submitted by Sheila O'Malley, Ansonia Economic Development Director 

ANSONIA - Mayor David S. Cassetti announced over the weekend that Ansonia residents who are non-ambulatory may be eligible to receive a tax exemption on their motor vehicles. 

“As the residents of Ansonia know, I have made lowering taxes a priority," Cassetti said. 

"This new tax break will help our non-ambulatory residents receive a full exemption on the vehicles they purchase that have been modified to accommodate their needs," he said.

“This is a tax exemption that just makes good sense. Disabled individuals require specialized vehicles to enable them to drive or be transported. They should not be assessed the same as those of us who do not need to make modifications just to travel.” 

This special tax exemption applies to any vehicles that have been altered from their original condition to suit the needs of a disabled person, i.e., special ramps, hand controls, etc. 

This includes any modification that enables the disabled person to drive or be driven. 

The vehicles may not be leased and the modifications must be permanent. The exemption will be applied prior to billing. 

Disabled individuals must provide proof of modifications and or have the vehicle inspected by Marsha Benno, the City of Ansonia’s Tax Assessor. 

You can reach the Tax Assessor office at 203-736-5903. 

This is a press release from Mayor Cassetti's office.

Addendum: I interviewed my husband, Ralph Villers, since I posted this today and he said:  
“I have seen more change in Ansonia in the last two years than I had in the 24+ years we have lived here. This is a great break for me, as operating a vehicle like this is quite expensive. The city and Mayor have taken note of this and are allowing us to reduce the many costs we have in operating our vehicles and allowing disabled drivers to maintain their freedom and independence.”