Rep Hovey, Monroe Assessor

 At Odds

MONROE (AP) — A Connecticut lawmaker who represents one of Newtown’s voting districts and the tax assessor in her home town of Monroe are at odds over renovations she reportedly made in the basement of her home.

Republican Representative DebraLee Hovey told The Connecticut Post she has refused to allow assessors to inspect her basement.

The dispute dates to October when a neighbor complained, and the Democratic Town Committee said she failed to disclose the work to avoid higher property taxes.

The neighbor said she has seen the renovations, which includes the addition of two bedrooms and a bathroom.

Rep Hovey said her basement has concrete walls and floors and it’s her constitutional right to refuse access.

Assessor Elizabeth Duffy agreed, but said if inspectors cannot see the basement, her taxes will be estimated based on “undocumented improvements reported.”