Oxford Tax Collector Leaving for Seymour

Oxford Tax Collector is leaving her position after just six months to take a job as the assistant tax collector in neighboring Seymour.

Spremullo, a 30-year-old elected official, was hired by the Seymour Board of Selectmen Wednesday night. She begins her new job there on July 1.

Spremullo said that due to changes in her personal life, she will no longer be living in Oxford; elected officials must live in town, per the Charter.

"I wouldn't want to ask anyone to make an exception for me; I couldn't do that in good faith," she said.

Spremullo was the first elected tax collector in Oxford after the downfall of , who held the position for 24 years and was arrested in November for stealing hundreds of thousands from the tax office. She is awaiting trial at Milford Superior Court.

When Spremullo was elected as a Republican in November, , including a new computer system that ensures a tax collector could not steal money.

Still, Spremullo said there were so many problems left behind by Guillet that it made it difficult to do the job.

"I had the opportunity to get back to the job I love and I took the opportunity," she said. "But I definitely feel good about what's been accomplished in six months in terms of where this office was and where it is moving forward."

Spremullo said that before she leaves she is going to make sure everything is set for a new tax collector to have a smooth transition.

The Board of Selectmen will fill the vacancy until the next regular election in November 2013, said Town Clerk Margaret West. She said she had not yet received Spremullo's resignation letter as of this morning but is expecting it soon.

Until the board hires someone, assistant tax collector Sharon Scinto will run the office.

Neither Oxford First Selectman George Temple, nor Seymour First Selectman Kurt Miller were immediately available for comment Thursday.