Tuesday in Greenwich featured heavy rain and a hail storm, but the sky cleared up just as Greenwich Tax Collector Heather Smeriglio kicked off her re-election campaign outside Cos Cob Library.
On hand was former Tax Collector Tod Laudonia and First Selectman Fred Camillo, who kicked off his own re-election campaign last month.
“It’s good to be here in God’s country, the capital of Greenwich: Cos Cob,” Camillo joked, adding that he’d known Smeriglio since childhood.
“One thing about Heather is she’s never changed. When you see her in town hall, she’s always got a smile on her face no matter what season it is – tax season or not. She’s terrific. She’s not only the best tax collector in the state of Connecticut, she is one of the nicest people you’ll meet.”
Camillo said Smeriglio had one of the highest collection rates in the state. “She does it with class, respect and dignity, and makes everybody feel good,” Camillo added.
“Today I have been given the distinct honor of introducing you all to the most qualified and dedicated candidate for re-election on the ballot in 2023,” said Laudonia who originally hired Smeriglio to work in his department.
He said Smeriglio started as a part time clerk in the office and attended Certified Municipal Collector’s School on her own time.
“She achieved her CCMC status in the quickest possible time of three years, and is only the second certified tax collector in the history of the town of Greenwich,” he added. “Combining the CCMC certification with her banking background, Heather is the most qualified candidate for tax collector in 2023.”
“Tax Collectors offices are one of the main touch-points of residents in every town. Heather has proven herself the right person by operating the office of tax collector with efficiency and compassion. Even through the unparalleled circumstances of a global pandemic she kept her collection rate predictable as one of the highest in the state of Connecticut.
“Along with the impressive record she has amassed, everyone knows and loves Heather. She has earned the respect of her fellow tax collectors as attested by them electing her president of the Fairfield County Tax Collectors Association.”
Improvements in Tax Collector’s Office
After the introductory remarks, Smeriglio thanked the crowd of about 50 for coming out.
She said some of the changes her office had put in place the previous two years included changing the online provider, which resulted in saving the taxpayers money and fees when they choose to pay online.
Also, this past January they opened the tax collector’s office from 9-12 the last Saturday before taxes were due and had extended hours from 8:30am to 7:00pm the final day taxes were due.
Smeriglio said this July’s tax bills will feature the extended hours and she anticipated even more people will take advantage of them.
Smeriglio said she was honored to have been elected president of the Fairfield County Tax Collector’s Association.
“I look forward to running with Freddy, Lauren and Jackie,” she added. “I love my job. Thank you, God bless you all and God bless America.”