Norwalk claims committee approves $14,429 duplicate payment refund

The Finance & Claims Committee of Norwalk City convened on July 10, 2025, to discuss key financial reports and address pressing claims. The meeting began with a focus on the claims committee report, which highlighted a significant issue regarding a duplicate payment totaling $14,429.56. This payment was made by both a taxpayer's escrow agent and their closing attorney, necessitating a vote to approve the return of one of the payments. The committee unanimously approved the claims report, which will be forwarded to the Common Council for final approval on July 22.

Following the claims discussion, the committee reviewed the monthly tax collector's report for June 2025. This report marked the conclusion of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, and included advanced collections related to the new levy effective July 1, 2025. The committee reported a collection rate of 98.49% of the previous year's levy, with sewer collections at 99.16% and an 88.82% collection rate for the Industrial Pretreatment Program fee. Additionally, the report noted an influx of $7.8 million in past-due taxes, attributed to a tax sale held in September 2024.

The committee also shared positive news regarding cannabis tax receipts, which exceeded $300,000 since the program's inception in April 2024. With three dispensaries now operating in Norwalk, this revenue stream is expected to grow further. The timely issuance of new tax bills was another highlight, with motor vehicle bills mailed on June 11 and real estate and business personal property bills sent shortly thereafter.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's financial health and proactive measures in tax collection, setting a positive tone for the upcoming fiscal year.