Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Finance Taxes topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Coventry council approves $205,873.41 write-off of old motor-vehicle and tangible tax receivables
Summary
The Coventry Town Council voted unanimously to write off $205,873.41 in delinquent motor-vehicle and tangible tax receivables from 2009–2023, while retaining collection efforts and noting the action is an accounting step, not an abatement.
The Coventry Town Council voted 4–0 to approve Resolution 2025-73 authorizing the write-off of delinquent and uncollectible motor vehicle and tangible tax receivables from 2009 through 2023 totaling $205,873.41.
Councilman Jonathan Pasqua moved to approve the resolution and Councilmember Alyssa Capaldi seconded. Vice President Verducci and Council President Hillary Lima joined Pasqua and Capaldi in a unanimous vote.
The write-off is an accounting action, not an abatement of taxes, tax office staff and town officials told the council. Tax and collections staff said previously unsuccessful collection attempts will remain noted in the tax system, and the town’s outside collection contractor (MCA) will continue to attempt recovery where feasible.
Resident Britney Boyer urged the council in public comment to review the list before approving it, saying she had identified active local businesses on the proposed list and that “taxpayer money isn't disposable.” Town staff responded that the tax office and outside counsel had reviewed the list, that staff had researched business registration information, and that some accounts had been followed to other jurisdictions or found to be closed.
Tax department staff described their review process to the council: searching the Rhode Island Secretary of State records, online searches, and coordination with MCA. Staff said items are removed from active pursuit only when collection efforts are unlikely to succeed or when parties cannot be located; accounts remain annotated so they can be collected if the taxpayer reappears.
Council members and staff discussed options to reduce future delinquencies, including adopting an annual business licensing/renewal system and tightening licensing procedures to require current tax status before issuing or renewing a business license. Town Manager Dan Perillo and tax staff said they would explore a proposed licensing program and bring recommendations back to the council.
The council approved the write-off so the town could finalize receivables for the fiscal year. Town staff emphasized that the action clears old receivables from the books but does not remove collection notes or the town’s ability to pursue outstanding amounts if circumstances change.
The motion carried 4 in favor, 0 opposed.
