Town Council Votes Down Single Payment Car Tax

The town council voted against a previously approved resolution Tuesday night that would have required Tolland residents to pay their vehicle taxes in a single payment.

The resolution was originally approved in March 2009. Currently, motor vehicle taxes are paid in two equal installments, according to the meeting agenda.

"This does not put the Tolland taxpayer first," said council member Sam Belsito. Council members brought up concerns that some taxpayers may be unable to pay the tax in one installment.

According to the agenda, the resolution was initially approved to make tax processing more efficient and to reduce confusion for residents, among other reasons.

The council will hold a public hearing on a resolution maintaining the current two-payment system.

The council also recognized five local businesses that assisted the town during the October snowstorm and Hurricane Irene: Chapman Properties, , , Rock-Vern Electric, Inc. and.

"Citizens and businesses like this make me proud that I live in Tolland," said council chairperson Jack Scavone while presenting the plaques. 

The council also approved a number of other resolutions:

• A resolution allowing the town manager to work with the University of Connecticut Graduate School of Public Policy to update a new town-wide survey
• A resolution permitting Public Works to repair a leaking roof on the second level of town hall one year ahead of schedule
• A resolution allowing the transfer of $15,000 from the Building Inspection Professional Services and Engineering Payroll to the Planning & Zoning Commission to fund consulting services for the Technology Zone
• A resolution setting a public hearing on March 27 to issue $17,000,000 in bonds at a lower interest rate that could potentially save the town close to $245,000 over a number of years

The town council will also discuss the possible creation of technology and sustainability task forces at its first April meeting.

The town council will meet with Town Manager Steven Werbner Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. to .