First Selectman's Report: 7/25 - 7/29/2022

Swearing in New Officer: Officer John Zavalick
 
First Selectman's Report: 7/25 - 7/29
 
  1. It is said that "sometimes angels are just ordinary people that help us believe in miracles again." Mr. Stephen Bendas certainly fits that description.
 
In May, it was disclosed to me that long-time Colchester resident and 10-year Navy Veteran, Stephen J. Bendas included the Town of Colchester in his will. As a beneficiary of the will, the town received 750K; with The Colchester Police Department, The Colchester Senior Center, and the Colchester Food Bank each receiving $250K.
 
Earlier this week, it was disclosed to me that an additional 750K would be coming to the town; with The Colchester Police Department, The Colchester Senior Center, and the Colchester Food Bank each receiving an additional $250K.
 
Our town will always be grateful for his generosity and the positive legacy he will leave behind. May his memory be eternal and his soul forever blessed.
 
  1. Yesterday, Officer John Zavalick was sworn into the Colchester Police Department. He brings over 29 years of experience, and I am confident that he will be invaluable to our town. Let's all give him a warm welcome.
 
  1. Town Green Project: Anticipated start date will now be the end of August
 
  1. The New Playground: Anticipated start date will be the end of August
 
  1. In case you missed it: John Chaponis, our Tax Assessor, was on Channel 8 to talk about car taxes. You can see the story here: https://www.wtnh.com/news/did-you-see-an-increase-in-your-car-tax-heres-why/
 
  1. A friendly reminder that both the Cragin Memorial Library and the Firehouse are the designated cooling centers for the Town of Colchester. They have been operating as such and will continue to do so during any extreme heat.
 
  1. The Natural Gas Line on Main Street: Construction Crew will begin their nightshift work starting July 31st. This natural gas line is an Eversource project which will bring the town significant revenue.
 
  1. Absentee Ballots are now available at Town Hall for the Republican Primaries and Democratic Primaries, which are to be held on Tuesday, August 9th.
 
 
  1. Monday, August 1st, 2022, is the last day to pay taxes. The office is open until 4:30 pm Friday, and 8:30 am-4:30 pm on Monday. Avoid lines and pay online – fees apply. Mail postmarked (US Postal Service postmark only) on or before August 1st, 2022, will be considered as having been paid on time. Payments dropped in the town hall's drop box after 4:30 pm on August 1st, 2022, will be considered as having been made on the following business day and will be deemed as paid late.  
 
 
*****The Town of Colchester does not have an approved budget for FY 2022-2023. Therefore, we are ONLY billing for the first installment of your real estate bill. Once the budget is approved, you will receive all adjustments in your 2nd installment, which will reflect the approved mill rate along with any credits, if applicable. Additionally, once the budget is approved, we will be sending personal property and motor vehicle bills ASAP. Please visit our website for the full legal notice: https://www.colchesterct.gov/tax-collector/pages/attention-colchester-resdients-legal-notice-1st-installment-real-estate-only
 
Questions concerning tax payments should be directed to the Tax Collector, (860) 537-7210