Day 3: City Contractor Testifies; Never Expected Perez To Pay For Renovations

A city contractor admitted in court today during Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez's corruption trial that he never expected Perez to pay him for renovations done at the Mayor's home.   

Carlos Costa says kitchen and bathroom renovations that his employees did inside Mayor Perez's home in 2005 were done for free. And Costa says he didn't expect payment from Perez.

Costa was the same contractor at the center of the troubled $5.3 million dollar streetscape project on Park Street. Prosecutors allege Perez accepted the free renovations from Costa. In return, Perez's aide Charles Crocini intervened when the Department of Public Works wanted to fire Costa from the Park Street project due to delays and quality issues.

Costa also explained in detail that Perez and his wife, Maria, never asked about the cost of kitchen and bathroom renovations and never paid for it once installation was completed.  Prosecutors say the renovations totalled $40,000.

In the afternoon session, Costa explains that he drafted an invoice in 2006 after Perez tells him there's rumors in the community about free work the Mayor received. Costa says once he gave the bill to Perez-he expected to be paid but he never was.

Costa is the only witness the state has called during the third day of the trial.  Costa also faces charges of bribery and tampering with evidence related to this case. In court, Costa told Prosecutor Mike Gailor that he hoped testimony will benefit him related to the bribery charge. Gailor clarified for the court that no promises were made with Costa for his cooperation.

Perez's attorney, Hubert Santos questioned Santos Friday afternoon.  

Santos has stated that Perez kept Costa on the Park Street job to help the city avoid costly litigation and more project delays.