The city of West Haven says it's ready to give the boot to its taxpayers.
Beginning on or about Nov. 1, the city will boot vehicles of residents who are not current on paying their automobile taxes.
West Haven Mayor Ed O'Brien says over $2.1 million in auto taxes are owed to the city. These taxes date back as far as 1999.
Some 17,000 vehicles in the city are not current. The city implemented the same program in November 2010 and collected nearly $500,000 in delinquent automobile taxes in just 16 days.
Considering the city’s general fund debt is approaching $8 million, the mayor says it's easy to see how important these automobile taxes are to the city’s welfare. He noted that over 40 teachers salaries and the city’s snow removal budget could be paid for if $2 million is collected.
Any residents, whose automobile taxes are more than two payments past due, are subject to having their car booted. West Haven taxpayers also can view their taxes and check to see if they owe anything online by going to www.cityofwesthaven.com and clicking on Tax Collector Department Info in the “Quick Links” section on the right side.