New Britain, Conn./WTIC Radio - The findings of a report into operations in the New Britain tax collector's office have been released by the office of Mayor Bobby Sanchez.
Sanchez says tax collector Cheryl Blogoslawski has now been fired, after being placed on paid leave in February.
The mayor says the report suggests a pattern of cash mismanagement, bullying, favoritism and the improper backdating of late tax payments that date back years, covering the previous administration.
The report says Blogoslawski in some instances falsified internal computer records regarding late property, car, and water taxes to avoid interest.
It also says those practices took place, at times, "at the direction of the previous Mayor's Office," led by former Mayor Erin Stewart, who is a Republican candidate for governor.
“What this report reveals is unacceptable, and it will not be tolerated in this administration," says Mayor Sanchez. "The findings point to a longstanding breakdown in accountability and oversight that allowed misconduct to persist for years. That is why we have taken immediate action, terminating the Revenue Collector, making this report public, and referring this matter to the State’s Attorney. Anyone who violated the public trust will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law."
There were also numerous instances of cash mismanagement, including cash left unsecured in drawers and atop filing cabinets, according to the report.
The report also finds that $246,000 was left unsecured atop a safe in January of 2024.
WTIC has requested further comment from Mayor Sanchez, plus comment from Stewart and Blogoslawski.
