Selectmen clear small unpaid inspection invoices after debate over in‑kind waiver for donor

The Waterford Board of Selectmen voted to cancel three unpaid inspection invoices totaling about $300 and discussed whether the board should more clearly document fee waivers or in‑kind arrangements for large local taxpayers.

Director of Finance Kim Allen told the board the invoices were for inspection and review fees that staff consider uncollectible or for work that will not proceed. "It is just debt that is owed to the town for various inspections that were done by the department employees that we find and feel that it's going to be uncollectible," Kim Allen said. The items listed were a $100 charge from Connecticut Street Warriors (FY24), a $100 plan‑review charge to D'Cor Construction LLC (FY25) for work that will not be completed, and a $100 charge related to a fire services matter where the fire services director recommended treating the service as in‑kind because the company provides facility use and donations.

Board members pressed for clearer documentation. One selectman said the town should record the reason—use of the fire lab facility and a $20,000 donation that supported free summer music—as part of the record rather than rely on a verbal explanation. Another member proposed amending the motion to approve only the first two items and table the third until the language could be clarified, but the board ultimately proceeded to vote to clear the invoices and approved the cancellations.

The board agreed staff could add an explanatory note to the minutes to clarify the in‑kind arrangement and the basis for treating the third invoice differently going forward.

Next steps: Finance staff will note the rationale for the in‑kind arrangement in the meeting minutes and will work with legal or procurement if further documentation is needed.