First Selectman's Report - March 15, 2024

Recreation Needs Committee

This week, the Board of Selectmen began interviewing candidates for our Recreation Needs & Coordination ad-hoc committee.

In January, the Board of Selectmen announced plans to form an ad-hoc (temporary) committee consisting of five members and two alternates charged with evaluating Colchester’s current recreation assets operated by the Town and Board of Education and making recommendations on how to coordinate use and access to these resources which are shared by the Town, Schools, and sports leagues. The committee will also identify gaps and make prioritized recommendations on how to address these gaps including consideration of artificial turf.

This a temporary committee which means it is expected to complete its work in less than one year. Additional interviews are expected to occur next Thursday at the March 21 Board of Selectmen meeting.

Budget Survey

The Board of Finance has released their annual budget survey which can be viewed at this link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ColchesterCTBudget2024

The initial Town and Board of Education budget requests for Fiscal Year 23/24 are set to be presented on April 3 with an anticipated referendum on June 11. In addition to citizens' comments, correspondence, and public hearings, the survey is one tool used to gather public feedback as part of the budget development process.

Budget Development

This month at Town Hall, we are hard at work developing the budget proposal to be presented in April. I have been holding daily meetings with department heads to go over their initial requests and to look for areas where we can refine their budgets. 

My focus in this year’s budget process remains on restoring stability to the Town’s operations. Last year, the budget was presented with a "zero" increase - despite contractual increases for salaries and other expenses affected by inflation. In some cases, line items were cut below the level of the Town’s contractually obligated expenses - guaranteeing that the Town would overspend the budget in those areas. In other areas, incorrect numbers were used. For example: in the police budget, the Town failed to correctly account for the costs of employee taxes on overtime, the contribution to police pensions, and the 401a. As a result, the current year budget erroneously appears to be $100,000 lower than our actual obligated expenses.

In addition to ensuring the new budget is accurate and transparent, my request to Board of Finance will follow-through on the plan for required maintenance at Parks & Recreation as identified by the field sustainability study. I believe it is critical that the Town finally act on its maintenance obligations for these facilities which are used by thousands of residents of all ages.

Information about the Public Works budget request under development and how last year’s budget cuts have impacted that department can be found here.

New Bendas Donations

This week, the Town of Colchester received an additional $75,000 as part of a generous disbursement from the estate of the late Colchester resident Stephen J. Bendas. An additional $25,000 was left to the Colchester Police Department, the Colchester Food Bank, and Colchester Senior Center. Mr. Bendas’ thoughtful decision to include the Town of Colchester in his will has already made a tremendous impact on our community that will continue to be felt for years to come.

New Fire & EMS Staff

Please welcome Firefighter Justin Derr and Firefighter/Emergency Medical Responder Al Wood as regular volunteer personnel within the Colchester Fire Service. Both have completed their probationary period and moved to the active rolls of both Colchester Fire & EMS and the Colchester Hayward Volunteer Fire Company. On Thursday, 3/14/24, at the volunteer company meeting a formal swearing in was conducted with President Deb Marvin leading the oath of the organizations. We welcome them aboard and are excited for their willingness to serve our community! We are always looking for more volunteers to join our ranks. If interested, please stop down at Colchester Fire & EMS Headquarters and complete an application or contact us via email at [email protected].

Monthly Veterans’ Coffee Meet Up

The Town of Colchester is inviting former military members to our first "Coffee House" tomorrow Saturday, March 16th at Cragin Library. This monthly gathering is being organized to connect those who served their country with the armed forces. Guest speakers will provide information around beneficial veteran programs and services as well as health and well-being.

The monthly Coffee Houses will be held the third Saturday of each month from 10:15 - 12:00 at Cragin Memorial Library. Coffee and light snacks will be provided.

For questions and/or suggestions, please call Mary Emerling at (860) 537-2921. We hope to see you there!

Community Spotlight: UCFS Colchester

This week, I met with Pamela Kinder and Deberey Hinchey, vice presidents at UCFS Healthcare, and other members of the staff at the UCFS Colchester office. As a non-profit, UCFS Healthcare strives to eliminate health disparities and improve the health and well-being of the community. At their Colchester office, UCFS provides behavioral health services for all ages - including treatment aimed at alcohol and opioid disuse for those who may be struggling. Telehealth options are available as well. Remember - help is available!

Visit UCFS.org to learn more.

Bernie Dennler
First Selectman
Town of Colchester