By Editorial Staff
(February 12, 2026) — HK-Now.com and Haddam Killingworth News recently asked Haddam First Selectman Sean Donlan to take part in an email interview regarding several issues currently facing the town. Our questions and his answers are below:
- The recent revaluation has sent property values higher by more than 50% town-wide, according to the appraisal company. Keeping the mill rate at its current level, the town would see a windfall in its revenues. Has there been any discussion of lowering the mill rate to lessen the impact on property owners?Town government is permitted to collect only the amount of taxes equal to the total amount of the approved Town budget considering all sources of revenue. Haddam’s budget this year is determined by projected expenditures commencing July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. The current mill rate was determined by dividing Haddam’s Town budget from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 by the total valuation of all taxable personal property, vehicles and real estate at that time. The mill rate set for prior budget year does not carry over to the next budget year. The new mill rate will be determined by dividing Haddam’s Town budget from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 by the new revaluation amount of all taxable personal property, vehicles and real estate. Everyone in the town government understands that these increases can be alarming, and we want residents of Haddam to know that higher assessments do not automatically translate into equally large increases in property taxes. Increase in your property assessment does not in itself mean that your property taxes will increase at all and certainly does not mean your property taxes will increase significantly. Since the revaluation was done on all Haddam properties this year, it is not only possible but likely that the increase in your property valuation is similar to your neighbor’s valuation increase. Once the final budget is approved and divided by the revaluation amount, a new lower mill rate will be determined and we will find that mostly every property in Haddam will experience a similar tax increase as in previous years.
2. Is the HES project dead? You referenced in your article for Haddam Events that increased costs would keep Rak Realty from continuing with the project at the former Haddam Elementary School. Is there another company that would be willing to do the work? Did Rak have an agreement with the town that required them to perform the work at the agreed-upon price?
I refuse to consider the HES project unrecoverable. This project is too important to Haddam, with the possibility of a new Senior and Community Center and town offices as well as the revitalization of Higganum Center, not to put forth an exhaustive effort. We are working diligently with multiple state agencies, such as the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, and the Housing Authority along with help from Lieutenant Governor Bysiewicz, Senator Needleman and Representative LaMark Muir to find a means to complete the HES project. Rak Realty has shown tremendous dedication to this project and is committed to finding a path forward to completing a building and grounds I hope we all will be proud as part of Haddam. Based on the information and where we are in this process, starting over with a potential new developer is, in my opinion, due to cost, time and so many unknowns, not in the best interest of Haddam.
3. There have been items, mostly on social media, about how several Higganum businesses may be closing, such as Road Runner, the Riverside Restaurant and the Country Market. Is any of this accurate?
I do not have any additional or more specific information other than the rumors going around Haddam. On this note I will emphasize the importance of all of us patronizing local businesses, as they face a lot of competition especially in the food and drink industry. Although ultimately it is the obligation of any local business to earn your support, I do emphasize that we have a duty to at least give the local businesses a chance before choosing an alternative. As we move forward with our revitalization of parts of Haddam, we will want more businesses to move into Haddam. Our track record of supporting local businesses will be an important consideration.
4. Though you have been in office for only a short time, and certainly knew the job from your time on the Board of Selectmen, is there anything that has surprised you about the First Selectman’s job, or anything that is different now from the way you remember it?
To date, I have not come across any significant surprises or changes from my prior experiences. Some of the faces, names, projects and issues are different. However, what has not and will not change is that Haddam is a talented, passionate close-knit community. The position of First Selectman has offered the opportunity to meet and hear from people regarding many varying issues and topics. These meetings have cemented what I already knew; that is, that the people in Haddam care deeply about their family, neighbors, friends and our Town. Above all, the most common goals are uniting as a community and bringing us together to create a safe, fun and healthy environment. And to forget what may be pulling people apart outside of our town, and to know that once you enter Haddam, you are home and among friends.
