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Old Lyme staff to redraft tax-ordinance updates to reduce small-bill paperwork
Summary
Town staff presented a package of proposed changes to Chapter 150 to stop issuing very small tax bills, tighten small-balance write-offs and overpayment handling, and align NSF/bounced-check fees with state statute; the board asked for redlined ordinance language for its May meeting.
Suzanne, who presented updates to the town's tax ordinances, summarized a package of proposed changes the board asked staff to redline and bring back for formal review in May.
Key proposals included: not issuing tax bills under $5 (addresses low-value parcel and motor-vehicle supplemental bills), tightening the town's overpayment and refund policy so trivial overpayments (under $5) are retained by the general fund rather than refunded, increasing the small-balance write-off threshold (proposal discussed around $1.99), and clarifying that bounced-check fee limits for tax collection are governed by state statute (the cap discussed is $25).
Suzanne said the changes are administrative—intended to align the town with neighboring municipalities and current state motor-vehicle valuation rules that set a $500 minimum vehicle valuation for taxation effective October 2024. She asked legal staff and the assessor's office to verify statutory wording and numbering; the board directed staff to prepare redlined ordinance language and bring it back at the May meeting so the board can schedule a town meeting for voter consideration as required.
No ordinances were adopted on April 20; the board requested the draft redlines and supporting legal review prior to the next meeting.
