Tax Facts from a Certified Collector

My name is Michele Nuhn.  I am currently the Tax Collector for the Town of Killingworth.  I am writing in response to Mr. Miller's post on the so-called "Better Choice" blog.  While I applaud - - and share - - Mr. Miller's compassion towards taxpayers, it is evident from his post that he is not familiar with the Killingworth Town Charter, the laws of the State of Connecticut as they pertain to tax collection, or the principles of democracy. 

No matter how compassionate he or she is; a Tax Collector in Connecticut may not, under state law, delay collection of taxes, waive payment of taxes, or decline to charge a prescribed 1.5 percent interest rate per month on late taxes.  Mr. Miller is planning on granting himself autocratic powers that the position of Tax Collector does not allow.  A Tax Collector in Connecticut must adhere to the procedures set out in the Connecticut General Statutes.  A Tax Collector who violates the law may be removed from office by a Superior Court Judge.

But even if it wasn't governed by law, would the people of Killingworth want to entrust Mr. Miller with the decision of who can afford to pay their taxes and who can't?  What would be the criteria he would use to decide who is in "dire financial need"?  The town has detailed procedures in place for assessing the values of properties in our town, as well as a process, run by elected members of the Board of Assessment Appeals, for challenging assessments that owners believe to be unfair.  The town has voted to give tax breaks to certain groups of citizens, including seniors with limited incomes, veterans, and first responders - - as Mr. Miller should know.  That is the democratic way to exercise compassion, not the autocratic way.

Killingworth's high rate of tax collection allows us to keep our mill rate down.  After all, if some people do not pay their taxes, the rest of us will have to make up the difference.  Our good collection rate also allows us to keep our credit rating up, and that means the town can afford to do more with its limited dollars.

I should also point out that Town Hall hours are not set by individual departments.  They are set by the First Selectman.  That's because the town hall staff operates as a team, and we offer the town consistent hours when they can expect to find someone to help.

Mr. Miller is right about the health insurance buyout.  This buyout is not a bonus.  It is part of the calculation that each employee makes when deciding the most economical way to obtain health insurance coverage.  As has been stated many times, the buyout program saves the town tens of thousands of dollars.  It is part of the negotiated union contracts, and it is offered to all employees on an equal basis.

I am proud that after many hours of instruction, I am now a Certified Connecticut Municipal Collector.  I am proud that Killingworth has a high collection rate.  Not because I am "self-important" as Mr. Miller implies, but because I administer the laws of Connecticut fairly and efficiently.  I believe that is the way I can best serve my town.  I hope you will allow me to continue to do so by giving me your vote in November.