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Tax collector details claims refund, tax sale overbids and motor vehicle billing changes
Summary
Norwalk’s tax collector told the Finance and Claims Committee the office is processing a $31,727.90 overpayment refund from an assessment appeal, turned excess tax sale overbids to Stamford Superior Court, and is preparing communications for motor vehicle assessment changes.
NORWALK — At the April 10 Finance and Claims Committee meeting, Norwalk Tax Collector Lisa summarized collections activity, a claims refund arising from an assessment appeal, unresolved tax sale overbid proceeds, and preparations for changes to motor vehicle billing tied to the 2024 grand list.
Lisa said a refund of $31,727.90 resulted from an assessment appeal that created a credit on a property account; the property’s mortgage escrow agent paid the bill despite the credit and the collector’s office processed the amount as a refund. “There was an appeal on this property that was settled, and the customer was entitled to a credit… their mortgage escrow agent paid the bill without the credit and they admitted their error,” Lisa said.
She told the committee the city completed its tax sale redemptions in March and deeded four properties that did not redeem; there was “in excess of $800,000 in overbid on those 4 properties” that the collector turned over to the Stamford Superior Court for distribution. “The city does not ever make a profit on tax sale properties,” she added.
On collections, Lisa reported the city’s collection percentage stood at 97.07% as of the end of February and she expected March’s numbers to be higher once the month is closed. She said delinquent real estate and business personal property notices had been sent and motor vehicle delinquent notices will be mailed later in April.
Lisa and committee members discussed upcoming changes to how motor vehicles are assessed and billed for the 2024 grand list and the committee asked that explanatory narratives accompany tax warrants mailed in June so taxpayers understand any changes.
The committee moved to approve the Claims Committee report — including the $31,727.90 refund — by unanimous vote and forwarded that item to the full council for final approval on April 22, 2025.
