Council waives interest on personal‑property audit billings for two companies

The council voted to waive interest charges that had accumulated on tax billings generated by a recent personal‑property audit, covering accounts for Clean Harbors and Safety‑Kleen.

Finance staff explained the audit produced additional billings; the Finance Director provided a total interest figure of $74,639.19 for the account referenced on the agenda. The assessor and tax office said the taxpayer filings submitted during the audit were ambiguous: the companies provided national compilations of property holdings without specifically indicating which assets were in Bristol. The assessor recommended waiving interest under Connecticut General Statutes §12‑145, and the council approved the waiver by motion.

Assessor and tax officials said the underlying tax assessments remain in place; the waiver applies only to interest that accrued on those assessments under the statutory interest rate. Council members asked clarifying questions about the statutory authority to waive interest and were told the current law requires assessor and tax collector agreement and council approval for a waiver.