First Selectman's Report: March 6, 2026
Town and Board of Education Budget Presentations
On Tuesday, March 10 at 6:00 PM the Town and Board of Education budgets will be presented at a public hearing for the Board of Finance and Colchester residents. The public hearing will be held at Town Hall with remote access via Zoom.
As First Selectman, my budget proposal for the Town will focus on maintaining stability and promoting public safety while we balance rising healthcare claim costs and other economic pressures from inflation. Residents have been clear about prioritizing public safety, including fire, EMS, police, and road/traffic safety along with upkeep of buildings, parks, and grounds. My presentation will demonstrate how budgets approved in 2024 and 2025 have delivered the progress residents asked for and will make the case for maintaining service levels to avoid going backwards.
Rather than focusing on new initiatives, the FY26/27 Town budget focuses on fulfilling approved plans for fire, police, and public works from
previous budget cycles. 
Although the Town and School budgets are separate, I also recognize that this year’s Town budget will face additional pressure from the higher-than-typical Board of Education budget proposal and the difficult decisions facing the BOE and Board of Finance. Based on the combination of factors, I directed Town departments not to pursue new programs or capital projects in the upcoming fiscal year. We have also strategically identified acceptable budget reductions across departments and will reduce contributions to certain reserves.
Last year’s Town budget introduced several new cost-saving measures and uses of other revenue sources to fund public programs such as those at the Colchester Senior Center and Colchester Youth Center to shift the financial burden away from taxpayers. This year’s budget will continue last year’s successful cost-saving measures, such as regional animal control now provided through Montville ACO.
I look forward to presenting the proposed Town of Colchester Budget on Tuesday and detailing the valuable services the Town of Colchester
provides residents of all-ages — from the public safety operations described above to services like Cragin Library, Parks & Recreation, Colchester Senior Services, Youth & Social Services, and other town operations.
After Tuesday's public hearing, both Town and Board of Education budgets will be reviewed at budget workshops by the Board of Finance. The budget calendar is below.
Rally Against Cancer 2026
March is Rally Against Cancer Month. Each year, Colchester Public Schools and the Town of Colchester join forces to help raise funds for the Jimmy Fund and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Throughout this month we will be working to fundraise to help strike out cancer by providing much needed funds for new research and for patient care throughout New England. Eighty five percent of all donations goes directly to research and patient care.
Please donate and share this year's team page link below.
http://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/goto/colchester2026
March is also Colon Cancer Awareness month. Colon cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. There has been an increased occurrence for colon cancer in younger adults and they are encouraging everyone 45 years old or older to get screened. When detected early, colon cancer is highly treatable. If you are younger than 45, monitor for symptoms like abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss. or any significant changes in bowel habits.
Thank you to Bacon Academy teacher Matt Parsons for once again leading Colchester's Rally Against Cancer this year!
Paper Mill Road Temporary Closure
Due to environmental remediation at the former Norton Paper Mill — and home of the future Norton Park — Paper Mill Road will be closed
temporarily starting today.
Renters Rebate
Colchester Social Services will begin renters rebate applications April 1st. Please call 860-537-7255 or email [email protected] to schedule an appointment.
Youth Services - Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
Join Youth Services for Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on Sunday, March 29th! Tickets include breakfast, photo ops with the Easter Bunny, an Egg Hunt and arts and crafts. There will also be mini carnival games, face painting and Cake Walk for kids with cash only tickets. Buy your tickets and reserve your breakfast wave at this link: https://form.jotform.com/260605551306046
WJJMS PTO Comedy Show
The WJJMS PTO presents our 2nd Annual Comedy Show! Tickets are available to purchase now. Along with the Comedy show, there will be a Silent Auction, Gift Basket Giveaways, 50/50 and a cash bar. Come join us on Friday, March 13th at the St. Joseph’s Polish Club. Click here!
CASTLE Trivia Night 2026
CASTLE Childcare Center Presents…Castle Trivia Night and Silent Auction on Saturday, April 25 at the Polish Club!
Colchester Giving Garden
The Colchester Giving Garden will soon be starting its 14th season of growing and donating fresh vegetables to our town food bank and area soup kitchens. The garden is an all volunteer endeavor and we are always happy to welcome new volunteers.
On Thursday, March 12th the garden will be holding an information meeting at our town library. Why not come by and find out what's new this year and what we are all about? All ages and abilities are welcome — you do not need to be a gardener.
The Giving Garden meets in Norton Room B at 6:30 p m at the Cragin Memorial Library for any questions in advance you may write to them [email protected]. Hope to see you Thursday!
Sincerely,
Bernie Dennler
First Selectman
Town of Colchester