Repair costs tacked onto hotel tax bill; Wellington owners are billed $513,000 for city's emergency fixes.(Capital Region)

Byline: BRIAN NEARING Staff Writer

ALBANY - The city is adding $513,000 to the tax bill of the London-based owners of the crumbling Wellington Hotel for emergency repairs done on the State Street landmark last year.

Treasurer Betty Barnette said Friday that the repair bill, which owner Sebba Rockaway Ltd. has steadfastly refused to pay, is being added to 2006 property tax bill being mailed at the end of the month.

Last year, the city missed its opportunity to add the disputed expenses to Sebba's taxes because of delays in submitting a bill to the company. Barnette said the $513,000 represents $489,000 for costs associated with the emergency repairs …