City residents who are delinquent on their taxes are urged to pay their overdue taxes as soon as possible.
The “boot” program resumed May 1, and those who are delinquent on their motor vehicle taxes risk their vehicles being immobilized with a wheel-locking boot.
TaxServ Capital Services LLC of Hartford is the city’s vendor that administers the program in cooperation with Vioalert Systems LLC of West Haven.
A vehicle-mounted ID system that is part of the boot program uses an infrared license plate scanner to target tax scofflaws. Vehicles are released of the boot once their owners pay all delinquent taxes and the boot fee.
Additionally, delinquent personal property taxes for business owners who have not paid their taxes have also been turned over for collection. Properties with delinquent real estate and sewer bills have now been liened, and collection proceedings are in process.
Taxpayers can check if they owe any back taxes and pay online by going to www.cityofwesthaven.com and clicking on Tax Collector under the Government heading. They can also pay in person in the tax office on the first floor of City Hall, 355 Main St.
Tax Collector Dorothy Chambrelli has launched an aggressive campaign for collecting taxes.
“Please do not ignore your taxes; everyone must do their part,” Chambrelli said. “Your failure to pay negatively affects the entire city.”
Taxes accrue additional interest on the first day of each month.