First Selectman's Report: July 24, 2026
Budget Referendum - Tuesday
Polls will be open on Tuesday, July 28 from 6AM to 8PM at Colchester Town Hall. Absentee ballots are also available. Call the Town Clerk’s office at 860-537-7215 for more information.
Both the Town/Board of Selectmen and Schools/Board of Education budgets for FY26/27 are on the ballot.
After the last referendum, the Board of Finance voted to reduce the Board of Education budget by $1.5 million and the Board of Selectmen budget by $167,890. The new proposed effective mill rate is 30.97 — an increase of 1.05 mills (3.5%).
An updated Board of Education budget book can be viewed by clicking here.
An updated Town budget book can be viewed by clicking here.
A sample ballot is shown below.
National Night Out and Fireworks - Tuesday, August 4th
Join us on Tuesday, August 4th as we celebrate America250 with the return of fireworks to the Colchester RecPlex sponsored by Colchester Pizza!
National Night Out is an annual community building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. Join us for a night of food trucks, vendors, and fun capped off with a dazzling fireworks display!
Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all fifty states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday in August.
Williams Road Repaving
Repaving of Williams Road is expected to begin the week of August 6th. Catch basin repairs were completed on the road earlier this month as part of preparation for the paving. Williams Road is one of several projects planned for this summer as part of projects funded under last year’s budget. Other funded projects include chip sealing of Bush Rock Road, Mill Lane West, and Clark Road.
No additional projects will be scheduled until there is an approved budget for FY26/27.
Youth Center Project Update
The ARPA-funded Youth Center renovation project is nearing completion as we prepare for our fall 2026 reopening. This week, new stairs were installed on the rear exterior of the building to provide safer means of egress from the second floor. The second floor landing was recently replaced as well.
Town-Wide Tag Sale
Bargain hunters, treasure seekers, and collectors are invited to explore the Annual Colchester Town-Wide Tag Sale on Saturday, August 1, as residents throughout town open their driveways and yards for one of the community's most anticipated summer traditions. Hosted by the Colchester Parks & Recreation, the Town-Wide Tag Sale offers shoppers the opportunity to discover everything from household goods and furniture to antiques, children's items, books, sporting equipment, home décor, collectibles, and more—all while exploring neighborhoods throughout Colchester.
The digital map for all registered tag sales can be found here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xryQENCmhiA1AeUT8
Sponsor A Student
We are still looking for sponsors for our sponsor a student back-to-school program. We are still looking for sponsors to help purchase back-to-school outfits for more than 30 students. Thank you for your support and generosity!
Business Spotlight: Red Rose Cafe
Congratulations to Jackie and the staff at Red Rose Cafe on ten years of business in the Town of Colchester!
Since 2016, Jackie and her team have become staples of the Colchester downtown, serving delicious breakfast and lunch items along with drinks and desserts. Over the years, Red Rose has been a great supporter of local organizations and causes including Colchester Police, Colchester Hayward Volunteer Fire Company, Colchester Dog Park.
It was great to talk with her this week to present her with a proclamation on behalf of the Town. We also sat and discussed her journey with the cafe over the last decade. She named the shop in honor of her late sister who encouraged her to take the leap of starting a small business. Red Rose has become a valuable part of our community since then, growing and overcoming challenges like the COVID19 pandemic.
Congratulations Jackie and team on ten great years in Colchester!
Sincerely,
Bernie Dennler
First Selectman
Town of Colchester