Hello again, Hamden residents—

We’re concerned locals taking action for meaningful change. This is our second petition calling on the Hamden Legislative Council to take real action—and stop the mayor’s proposed budget from moving forward.

Right now, skyrocketing home values from the state’s mandated property revaluation, combined with a bloated budget, are pushing taxes through the roof. Some residents are seeing increases of hundreds of dollars a month. Most don’t even know it’s coming. Use this free tool created by Hamden residents Edward Lee and Luke Sanford to calculate your new tax bill.

But there’s a smarter, more responsible path forward—thanks to District 5 Councilwoman Rhonda Caldwell, who has put forth a fiscally responsible plan to get Hamden back on track. With this petition, we're urging the Council to adopt her recommendations.

🔧 The People's Plan at a Glance:

1. Pause Departmental Budget Presentations: Ask every department to eliminate non-essential spending and align requests with FY25 levels.
2. Request State Help on Revaluation: Push to delay full property revaluation until FY27 with a phased rollout. Consider hiring Michael Milone to lead this.
3. Hire a Qualified Finance Director: Conduct a national search for a municipal finance expert—ideally a CPA.
4. Bring in a CPA Firm: Get outside help to tackle backlogs and begin the 2024 audit immediately.
5. Complete the FY24 Audit by June 15: Show Hamden residents we’re serious about accountability.
6. Use FY25 as the Budget Baseline: Limit increases to union contract obligations only.
7. Freeze Non-Essential Increases: Temporarily pause raises for non-union staff and grant-funded stipends until a full review is complete.
8. Pass the Financial Reporting Ordinance by April 30: Require monthly reporting starting May 2025.
9. Use Surplus Funds Strategically: Address shortfalls using surplus cash and hold off on full transfers to the Fund Balance until FY27.

📣 Why Your Voice Matters
Petitions work. Our first petition caught the Council’s attention. Since then:

• We’ve built a Facebook group with 1,000+ residents
• Grown a newsletter list with nearly 500 subscribers
• Raised $1,200+ for outreach in 48 hours
• Built a team of 40+ volunteers spreading the word offline
• Made direct contact with Council members who are listening

Now we need to turn up the pressure. 

If you believe in fiscal responsibility, accountability, and protecting Hamden taxpayers then sign the petition, share it, and stay involved. Let’s make sure this budget works for us—not against us. 

With gratitude,

Grace Valentine
Hamden Residents Unite
wearehamden.com

P.S. - Please do not donate to Change.org, the money simply goes to the platform to promote the petition and not to our organization. We do not need any more funds at this time. Thank you!