Carcieri pays $12,000 in back taxes

Gov. Donald Cacieri said Wednesday that he cut a check for more than $12,000 to remove a property tax lien on a condominium that he and his wife own in Florida.

NBC 10 News confirmed the governor failed to pay property taxes since 2006 on the Stuart, Fla., property. As a result, the Martin County Tax Department placed a lien on the property.

A representative for Carcieri told NBC 10 News that the governor was first made aware of the overdue taxes by a member of the media Tuesday night.

After checking with his accountant, the governor said he had no record of receiving tax bills or overdue notices. The representative said Carcieri believes the bills may have been sent to an old mailing address.

The governor's office said Carcieri sent a check overnight express to the tax collector’s office for the full amount due, $12,657.

Records show tax payments on a second piece of property owned by the Carcieris in the same condominium complex are up to date.