First Selectman’s Report - February 16, 2024

Social Services ARPA Assistance

The Town of Colchester is launching an online ARPA financial assistance application for households in need.

The Town of Colchester has committed federal ARPA funding to support Colchester households who are living at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty level and struggling to stay afloat. If your household is still trying to recover from the impacts of the pandemic and you need assistance meeting your basic needs or navigating an unexpected crisis, we may be able to help.

Funds may be available for:

• Rental/mortgage assistance
• Utilities
• Home Repairs (must address health and safety hazards only)
• Car repairs (for transportation to work, educational, or job training reasons)
• Heating
• Other categories may include: medical co-pays, eyeglasses, work uniforms, training programs, and other unforeseen expenses.

Residents will be asked to fill out the ARPA financial assistance application and provide required supporting documentation.

Residents can call Colchester Social Services at (860) 537-7255 for more information.

First Budget Forum

The Board of Finance will host its first budget forum on Wednesday, February 21 at 6:30 PM. This is an opportunity to make your voice heard early in the budget development process and to share your thoughts on priorities, concerns, and ideas. 

Meanwhile, our internal budget proposal development process is underway at Town Hall. Department Heads have begun entering their FY24/25 budget requests into MUNIS and I will begin reviewing those preliminary requests next week. I have asked that all of our departments focus their budget planning on balancing stability, sustainability, and affordability. That means we are not likely to bring forward major new initiatives that were not already planned. My primary goal is to restore funding in areas where the budget is currently operating in a deficit or would be operating in a deficit were it not for vacancy-related savings.

Recently, we also received updated numbers for the new Grand List which show an increase that equates to nearly one million dollars in additional revenue based on the current mill rate. This is a very positive sign about the state of economic growth in Colchester and for the budget development process.

Colchester Community Theater Presents...

Performances begin tonight for Colchester Community Theater’s annual production at Bacon Academy. This year’s show is the Tony Award-winning “Kinky Boots: The Musical” featuring music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper. Tickets are still available for purchase at the door by Cash, Check, or Venmo.

Before you go, check out this interview from Channel 3 WFSB with Colchester Community Theater president Diane Ozmun and show star Cecil Carter.

Colchester Community Theater has been putting on incredible performances at their annual shows for over 20 years, but this is CCT’s first year as an independent non-profit. I hope you will consider joining me to support CCT’s continued efforts! Attendees might even catch a cameo featuring a familiar face. I am looking forward to seeing many of you there!

High-Risk Rural Roads Grant

Last night, the Board of Selectmen authorized the Town to apply for a state of CT grant for High-Risk Rural Roads. This may allow us to purchase four speed lasers which will be used for Colchester Police to conduct speed enforcement to keep Colchester’s roads safe for drivers and pedestrians.

Colchester Solar Project Proposal

Last night, the Board of Selectmen reviewed a proposal to lease land to Silver Brook Solar from the construction of a solar field on Town-owned land near the Transfer Station. The project would come with a significant financial incentive to the Town that could bring in over $4 million in additional revenue over the next 30 years at no cost to our community. The Board of Selectmen will meet again later this month to review more details of the proposal before a potential application deadline in March. The presentation shown at last night’s BOS meeting is available here

Colchester Half-Marathon

Next Saturday, February 24th,  join us for the 32nd running of the Colchester half-marathon.

This challenging 13.1 mile hilly course is USATF certified. Race begins at 10:00 AM at Bacon Academy. There will be a post race carbo re-load party in the Bacon Academy cafeteria with hearty food, non-alcoholic beverages, results, excuses, tales of woe, camaraderie. Guests are welcome especially if they can volunteer to help. For more information or to volunteer please contact Rick Konon.  Entry fee is $30. All Colchester Half marathon entry fees are spent on the race and the post race party, so enjoy! Click here for online registration.

Pre-School Financial Assistance

Applications are now open through C3 under the School Readiness Program for children who are residents of Colchester with families who may find it difficult to pay for pre-school. Visit ColchesterC3.org/school-readiness to apply.

Cragin Library Craft Swap

Saturday, February 24, 11:00 – 1:30 pm

Tired of using the same old craft supplies? Bring in your unwanted supplies to the Library between February 12th and 22nd. Stop by on Saturday, February 24th and see if anything sparks your creativity. All ages welcome, you do not need to have dropped something off to pick something up!

Meeting Childhood Challenges Group

Meeting Childhood Challenges: A supportive group conversation for parents of kids aged 8-12. Join us for any of the four sessions on Wednesdays, February 28th, March 27th, April 24th & May 22nd, at 6:30pm at Norton Room A, Cragin Memorial Library. Registration is required. You can register here: https://forms.gle/NiNuegxoi51HV9WA8

Senior Driving Course

Colchester Senior Center is hosting a special AARP smart driving course for seniors on March 13.

CORE Community Book Club

It’s not too late to join! The Community Book Club hosted by the CORE Commission and Colchester’s Senior Center will hold its 2nd Book Club meeting on Saturday, Feb 24 from 12-1:00 pm at the Colchester Federated Church. Chapters 5-7 of “The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together.” will be discussed.  We will continue our good discussion and share our ah-ha moments, experiences, and perspectives.  It's a great way to meet new friends and learn new things!

Bernie Dennler
First Selectman
Town of Colchester