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Selectmen clear $300 in uncollectible invoices after debate over waiving fees for large taxpayer
Summary
The board approved canceling three small uncollectible invoices totaling $300 and discussed a recommendation to treat a $100 invoice from Dominion Nuclear Connecticut as in-kind due to facility use and donations; a selectman raised fairness concerns and asked that the rationale be recorded in the minutes.
The Board of Selectmen voted to clear three small invoices totaling $300 that the director of finance recommended be written off as uncollectible or provided in-kind.
Kim Allen, director of finance, described the three items: a carnival-related $100 debt from Connecticut Street Warriors that staff judges uncollectible, a $100 plan-review fee for a project that will not move forward, and a $100 invoice for Dominion Nuclear Connecticut that the fire services director recommended treating as an in-kind credit because the company provides facility use for firefighter training and has donated to community events.
Selectman Greg questioned the fairness of waiving or forgiving fees for a large taxpayer while smaller community vendors remain liable, saying, "how do you delineate?" He urged clearer documentation of the rationale. Kim Allen and the fire services director said the recommendation reflected mutual aid, facility use, and donations (including a reported $20,000 summer music donation) rather than a simple preference based on tax status.
Board members discussed whether to add an explanatory note to the minutes or to separate the third item for further clarification; staff agreed to add discussion text to the minutes and the board proceeded to a voice vote. The transcript records the board approving the cancellations by voice; the specific vote tally was not provided in the record.
The board's action clears the town's books for the three small items and records a staff recommendation to treat certain partner-provided services as in-kind when appropriate; members requested clearer documentation for future similar requests.
