First Selectman's Report: April 24, 2026
Adjusted Budget Public Hearing - Wednesday 7PM
On Wednesday, adjusted proposals for the Town and Board of Education budgets will be presented at a public hearing held by the Board of Finance at 7:00 PM at Town Hall and via Zoom. The public hearing is the final opportunity for residents to provide feedback before the Board of Finance sends proposals to the Annual Budget Meeting and Referendum.
The Town budget focuses on maintaining stability and promoting public safety while we balance rising healthcare claim costs and other
economic pressures.
Residents have been clear about prioritizing public safety, including fire, EMS, police, and road/traffic safety along with upkeep of buildings, parks, and grounds. Rather than focusing on new initiatives, the FY26/27 Town budget focuses on fulfilling previously approved plans for fire, police, and public work from previous budget cycles.
I recognize that this year’s budget process faces additional pressure from the higher-than-typical Board of Education budget proposal. That is why I directed Town departments not to pursue new programs or capital projects in the upcoming fiscal year. 2026-2027 capital projects will be funded under existing grants or programs. Certain reserve contributions are also reduced for FY26/27.
The revenue proposal as adjusted by the Board of Finance also utilizes $750,000 from the unassigned fund balance, citing the need to rebuild the Board of Education’s portion of the health insurance fund while reducing the impact to taxpayers.
Prior to sending the budget to public hearing, the Board of Finance voted to cut over $1 million from the Board of Education budget request. This is in addition to over $340,000 in cuts from the superintendent’s proposed budget made by the Board of Education and additional reductions made prior to the superintendent’s presentation, including pay freezes for school administration and central office staff.
The adjusted budget book can be found at ColchesterCT.Gov/Budget2026.
Spring Clean-Up - Begins Tomorrow
Join us tomorrow for our annual spring clean up event! Residents are encouraged to form teams by neighborhood, street, or community group and participate in friendly competition while making a positive impact. Participants will collect litter, improve shared spaces, and submit photos showcasing their efforts.
This event will begin on Saturday, April 25th at 8am. Preregistration is appreciated by clicking here. Please contact Colchester Parks and Recreation at (860) 537-7297 with questions.
After you register you will be eligible for a “Spring Clean Up starter kit” which includes gloves, garbage bags, a coupon for a free ice cream at Mel’s Downtown Creamery and safety tips. You can pick up your kits at the Colchester Recreation office during the week of April 20-24 from 8:30am-4:30 pm or Sat., April 25 from 8am-12pm at the town hall.
Groups will collect garbage using the bags we provide. The Colchester Transfer Station will accept these bags on April 25, 28 or May 2 free of charge. In case of inclement weather, you can plan a different day for your neighborhood challenge as long as garbage is disposed of at the Transfer Station on or before Sat., May 2, 2026.
Baseball/Softball Opening Day - Tomorrow
Saturday is opening day for Colchester Baseball and Softball! Our crews have been hard at work making final preparations to fields at the RecPlex as part of our field management program.
Our team has been re-cutting and edging base paths on one of our little league fields at the Recplex. Sharpening lines, improving playability,
creating a safer, more consistent surface for players. Every step matters in building a field that holds up through the season.
Filling Potholes
Road crews are continuing post-winter clean-up by filling potholes around town.
This week is National Work Zone Safety Week. As a reminder, please drive cautiously in our work zones for the safety of our crews and yours. 
Utility Easement Clearing
Utility easements for the Sewer and Water Department will be getting cleared by a contractor beginning next week. Some places you may see work being done and equipment being staged are Rt. 85 to Broadway, Dr. Foote to Linwood, Taintor Hill and Elmwood Heights to Christy Lane. If you have any questions please contact the Sewer and Water Department at 860-537-7289.
Day Pond Road Repaving
The State of Connecticut will be repaving Day Pond Road with work tentatively scheduled to occur between May 11 and May 15. Please use caution in this area as there may be impacts to traffic on Route 149, particularly at the intersection with Peck Lane by Westchester Congregational Church.
Memorial Day Parade
Applications to join the 2026 Memorial Day Parade are available on the Town website. The application form, instructions and the drop off/route map for participants are all available here.
This year's theme is "Colchester Honors 250 Years of Heroes" with prizes awarded for Best Marching Unit, Most Original Theme Float and Most Patriotic Float.
Youth Center Renovation Update
This week, Zaino and Associates began demolition of the cement boiler room roof at the rear of the Youth Center. This area is also part of the egress from the second floor and was identified in the 2024 structural report as being in serious need of replacement.
Get Outside, After 2 Program
This week, I joined Colchester Youth Services After 2 program to help lead a hike at Bulkeley Hill Preserve. We found walking sticks, looked for geocaches, climbed boulders, and hiked to the pond to look for beavers and other wildlife.
On National Trails Day, I’ll also be leading hikes at Sablitz Preserve for residents of all ages! Colchester Parks and Recreation invites residents to take part in the guided community hike on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 10am. Join us at the Sablitz Preserve parking area, located at 556 Middletown Rd., Colchester CT. Hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Bernie Dennler
First Selectman
Town of Colchester