First Selectman's Report: May 15, 2026
Annual Budget Referendum
The Annual Budget Referendum on the Town (Board of Selectmen) and Schools (Board of Education) budgets will take place Wednesday, May 20. All voting will take place at Town Hall from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
A sample ballot is below...
Town Meeting Recap
This week, residents gathered at Colchester Town Hall for the Annual Budget Meeting. The Annual Budget Meeting is required by Article 1105 of the Town of Colchester Charter, keeping alive the centuries-old New England tradition where residents come together as the legislative body of the Town to make critical decisions. This year’s Annual Budget Meeting was one of the most well-attended budget meetings we have seen, with close to 200 residents participating and voting.
Before the Town Meeting began, the Board of Finance voted to reduce the projected mill rate to 32.01 by utilizing $600,000 in supplemental state aid that was just approved as part of the State of Connecticut budget. Updated revenue documents were made available at Town Meeting.
At the Annual Budget Meeting, residents and taxpayers eligible to vote, voted to move the Town/Board of Selectmen budget forward to referendum. A spirited debate followed regarding the Board of Education budget, including a motion from the floor to reduce the budget by about $435,000. Following lengthy discussion and a vote by the roughly 200 attendees, the motion failed and a new motion was made from the floor to move the BOE budget forward to referendum as presented. That motion passed and the Annual Budget Meeting adjourned to the Annual Budget Referendum to be held on Wednesday.
Click here to view related budget documents:
-- Town Budget Presentation
-- Board of Education Budget Presentation
-- Town Budget Book
-- Updated Revenue and Mill Rate Projection 5/13/26
-- Annual Town Meeting Recording
CTDOT Highway Ramp Closures and Detour
Important detour information: The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that roadway excavation and drainage will be performed on Route 2 in Colchester, CT. This work is scheduled to occur on Monday May 18, 2026, and be completed on Monday June 1, 2026. The project, 0028-0207, consists of shoulder reconstruction operations. There will be Ramp closures on Route 2 at Exit 25 from Monday May 18, 2026, to Monday June 1, 2026, from 6PM to 6AM. Traffic control signing patterns and State Troopers will guide motorists through the work zone.
Spring Bark for the Park
Join us on the Colchester town green on May 17th. 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Rain date 5/31)
This 12th annual event will feature May Baskets, a blessing of the dogs, and other canine entertainment. The event is made up of many food and pet related vendors.
FREE entry. Crafts, food and game tickets available for purchase.
Hosted by the Colchester Dog Park committee For more information, please e-mail [email protected].
More event info here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1UAHpTZbFx/
Founder's Day
Bacon Academy Founder's Day will be held on Wednesday, May 20 at 11:00 AM at the Colchester Federated Church. This year, the Founder's Day Award will be presented to Colchester resident Ron Goldstein. All are welcome to attend!
Dog Licensing and Top Dog Contest
Join us for our 34th Annual “Top Dog” Contest to win the coveted #1 dog tag from the Colchester Town Clerk’s Office and a basket, generously donated by Wagging Tails Pet Shop in Colchester. In order to enter into the contest you must pre-register your dog for the 2026 -2027 license year. Return the application with payment to our office by 4:30 on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The drawing will be held Friday May 29, 2026 and the winner will be notified. The application can be found on our website at here https://www.colchesterct.gov/town-clerk/news/2026-top-dog-contest
We will also have applications available at the Bark for the Park event on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Veterans' Coffeehouse - Saturday, May 16
The next Colchester Coffee House gathering will be held at Cragin Library on May 16th at 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. All former and current military members are welcome to join. Call Mary Gura at (860) 537-2921 with questions or suggestions for presenters.
Memorial Day Parade
Join us for the annual Memorial Day Parade on Sunday, May 24. 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.
National Trails Day Events
Colchester is celebrating National Trails Day on Saturday, June 6 with two events! Starting at 9AM volunteers from Casella Waste will be hosting a clean-up event on the Airline Trail, starting with the Lebanon Ave spur.
At 10AM, Colchester Parks & Recreation will also be hosting walking tours of Sablitz Preserve. I’ll be hosting the guided tours that morning and hope to see you there!
Lions Night of Giving Appreciation
Colchester Fire & EMS would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Colchester Lions Club for their generous donation in support of our department.
This donation directly benefits our Cadet Program, providing youth who are interested in fire and EMS services with valuable, hands-on experience and exposure to the emergency services profession. In addition, their support allows us to replace an aging AED trainer with a new unit, ensuring we can continue to provide high-quality, up-to-date training for our members and the community.
We are incredibly grateful for the Colchester Lions continued commitment to public safety, education, and community service. Your generosity truly makes a difference and helps make these opportunities possible for our department and future responders. Thank you for your support! Chief Hoffmann, EMS Captain Standish, EMT/Cadet Advisor Marvin and EMT/Cadet Advisor Didato were in attendance for the Night of Giving event.
The next Community CPR is FREE to Colchester residents and will be on August 19th at 10am at Headquarters.
Sincerely,
Bernie Dennler
First Selectman
Town of Colchester