blevine@thestamfordtimes.com

STAMFORD — The board or representatives is looking to offer tax breaks to environmentally conscience drivers.

A proposed ordinance, passed by the board, 29-3, for publication at Monday's regular meeting, would allow city residents to take a property tax exemption on the first $2,000 of their vehicle if it meets the specifications set forth by the city.

"It's a small first step and it is done in accordance with a new state statute that was passed earlier this year," said Rep. James Diamo, D-11. "The idea is to give an incentive to citizens to buy vehicles that are smarter environmentally."

State statute specifies that purchasing hybrid vehicles that get at least 40 miles per gallon, are exempt from the state's 6 percent sales tax.

Even though the ordinance passed for publication, there was disagreement over a proposed amendment to the language. Rep. Arthur Layton, R-17, proposed the board restrict the property tax exemption for those who purchase qualifying vehicles on or after May 31 of this year.

"The idea of this ordinance is to reward people who buy (full efficient) and hybrid cars," Layton told the board. "I don't see any sense in rewarding people who have already bought the cars."

However some representatives felt differently. Rep. Eileen Heaphy, D-8, said that since the state tax exemption is for any cars purchased after 2004, she believes the city should do the same.

"I think it's a pretty stingy ordinance as it is," Heaphy said. "I think any single we can give to the car buying population that this (tax break) is a good deal, is a good thing. I think we should give (this ordinance) as much strength as we can."

Heaphy also objected to the idea of residents having to apply for exemption, which they would be required to do as the ordinance currently stands. She added that the actual benefit on the property tax exemption would only amount to somewhere between a $60 and $80 saving for residents; all the more reason, she felt, the board should open the exemption to as many Stamford residents as possible.

Despite the objection to the amendment, it passed by a vote of 20-12, meaning it will be included as part of the ordinance moving forward.

The legislative and rules committee will meet on the mater later this month, and it could be brought back before the full board at next month's regular meeting.