First Selectman's Report: June 12, 2026
Tag Sale on the Green
The Colchester Business Association’s annual Tag Sale on the Green is this Sunday, June 14! Come join for one of Colchester’s great summer traditions - food trucks, tag sale vendors, local businesses, crafters, and more! The tag sale runs from 9AM to 2PM Hope to see you there!
Tri-Board Budget Meeting with Q&A
On Monday, June 15 a joint meeting of the Board of Finance, Board of Education, and Board of Selectmen will be held at 7:00 PM at WJJMS Black Box Theater and via Zoom to discuss reductions to the Town and Board of Education budgets and for public questions and answers on proposals or suggestions.
At the previous Board of Finance meeting, several members discussed bringing the proposed mill rate below the rate of inflation (3.8% as of April). This would require combined reductions of about $1.5 million. Lowering the increase further to 1 mill (3.3% or equal to about $17 per month on the average residential tax bill) was also discussed. The budget originally sent to referendum was an increase of 2.46 mills. This would require combined reductions of about $1.7 million from the proposals voted on at the first referendum.
Likely Board of Education reductions include eliminating an assistant principal position at Bacon Academy, teacher furloughs, eliminating instructional coach positions, changes to the finance department by potentially sharing services with the Town, and more. (See slide below for more details)
Likely reductions to the Town budget include eliminating part-time positions or hours in several departments including a seasonal Grounds Maintainer, unpaid furlough days for elected officials including the First Selectman and department heads, and cuts to capital budgets in Public Works. Further cuts would likely see significant impacts to road/building maintenance or to programs/services at Cragin Library, Senior Services, Youth & Social Services, or Parks & Recreation.
Larger reductions and potential impacts will also be discussed. Some of these were reviewed at the Senior Center Q&A held earlier this week. Presentations from the Senior Center events can be seen here:
After the tri-board meeting, the Board of Finance will aim to make final decisions on cuts on Thursday, June 18 in anticipation of a second referendum to take place in July.
Waterhole Road - Road Work
Chip seal road maintenance took place on Waterhole Road this week as part of a combined project with the Town of East Hampton to create an even road surface between the two towns which share the road.
Loose stone from the chip seal process will remain for several days. Some stone will continue to be pressed in as vehicles drive over it. Sweepers will return to clean up excess stone.
We appreciate the Town of East Hampton’s coordination with Colchester Public Works on this project
Youth Center Update
Progress is continuing at the Youth Center as part of the ARPA-funded renovations to the building. A new slab roof is being prepared for the former vault/mechanical room. These repairs were identified as necessary in the October 2024 structural report of the building.
The third floor is also nearing completion. It will be the first time the third floor has been usable for program space since the Youth Center opened.
National Women Veteran Recognition Day
Today, June 12 is National Women Veterans Recognition Day. The day commemorates the anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act signed in 1948 and honors the contributions of generations of female service members. The Town of Colchester joins the State of Connecticut and organizations nationwide in recognizing the contributions of women who have bravely served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Veteran’s Coffeehouse - June 27
The next Colchester Veterans’ Coffeehouse event will be held on Saturday, June 27 at Cragin Memorial Library from 10AM to 12PM. This is a change from the usual meeting schedule! All Colchester veterans are welcome to attend.
Flag Day - Sunday
Colchester Veterans will be hosting a Flag Day service on the Town Green this Sunday, June 14th, at 6:30 PM.
Parks and Recreation Hiring
Per-Diem Gym Supervisors
Colchester Parks & Recreation is currently seeking responsible, energetic, and community-focused individuals to serve as part-time, per diem program gym supervisors. Gym supervisors are responsible for overseeing activities in recreation facilities, supporting program operations, and ensuring participant safety during scheduled programs, leagues, and drop-in use.
This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working with the public and want to be part of a positive, active community environment. Our gym supervisors help create a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone who walks through our doors.
Flexible hours are available for weeknights based on programming needs, making this an excellent opportunity for college students, retirees, or anyone seeking part-time supplemental income.
Seasonal Program Instructors
Colchester Parks & Recreation is also inviting passionate, skilled, and community-minded individuals to share their talents by becoming program instructors for upcoming seasonal offerings.
The department is currently seeking instructors to lead a wide variety of recreational, educational, and enrichment programs for residents of all ages. Opportunities are available in areas such as youth and adult fitness, arts and crafts, dance, outdoor recreation, sports, STEM activities, wellness, and specialty hobby classes.
Prospective instructors can propose new program ideas or apply to lead existing programs. Both experienced instructors and first-time teachers with a strong passion for their subject area are encouraged to apply. Flexible scheduling options are available, including daytime, evening, and weekend classes.
Individuals interested can request more information by contacting Colchester Parks & Recreation at (860) 537-7297 or [email protected]. More information is also available at https://www.colchesterct.gov/recreation-department.
Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
The Colchester Farmers’ Market opens June 21. Some Colchester Seniors are eligible for the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program which provides funds that can be used at markets to buy fresh Connecticut-grown fruits and vegetables, herbs, honey, and eggs.
To see if you are eligible, check the flyer below.
For more information, click here.
Fire Danger PSA
The forest fire danger level is high! The DEEP's Forest Fire Control Office urges all who enjoy the use of Connecticut's parks, forests and open spaces, to use fires with caution and practice forest fire prevention tips especially during forest fire season. Please do your part to prevent forest and brush fires, and please do not throw cigarette butts from cars or leave on trails or parks where they can easily spark brush fires.
Dog Licensing Reminder
Reminder, you have until the end of the month to license your dog.
All dogs 6 months or older must be licensed per the State of Connecticut. Licensing provides the information to locate the owner in a timely manner if the dog is found loose. Without a license fines can be imposed. The license law is enforced by animal control.
You must renew your license annually within the month of June. A dog can be licensed at any time during the year, but you will incur a late fee of $1 per month if you license after June 30. If the dog turns 6 months of age or is new to town after the June deadline, you will not incur a late fee. Click here for more info!
https://www.colchesterct.gov/town-clerk/pages/dog-licenses
Congratulations to Rumble on winning this year’s Top Dog Contest as part of Dog Licensing Month!
Dime Bank - 10th Anniversary
Last Friday, we celebrated the 10th Anniversary of Dime Bank in Colchester! Since opening its Colchester branch, Dime Bank has taken an active role in giving back to the Colchester community, sponsoring youth sports teams, community organizations like Colchester Community Theatre, events like the CBA Tag Sale on the Green, a local Bacon Academy scholarship, and more. We appreciate Dime’s support for our local community and wish them continued success!
CONGRATULATIONS Bacon Academy Graduates!
Today is Bacon Academy graduation! I want to wish a happy graduation day to the Bacon Academy Class of 2026!
Congratulations on this important milestone and good luck on your journeys to come!
Sincerely,
Bernie Dennler
First Selectman
Town of Colchester