07/01/2022 A Message from First Selectman Bindelglass
Good afternoon,
The Covid situation again appears to be stable, with little change in Easton or around the state.
In last week’s post I was discussing the decision regarding the slaughterhouse on Tranquility lane. I noted that Planning and Zoning was considering making changes to the zoning regulations regarding accessory structures on farms to prevent a similar situation in the future. I want to make clear that they are consulting with the Agriculture Commission and this is very much in the draft phase only. Once agreed upon language is ready to propose there will be a public hearing as well. There should be no question that all of our town government is committed to our farmers and our goal is to promote what they do, not restrict or make it more difficult.
Tuesday evening, we held an open session with members of the public and myself. It was a lively discussion on a wide range of topics and I hope to get back into this practice that we begun pre- pandemic.
June 30 is the end of our financial year. We end our year in good financial shape with a healthy reserve. As a reminder the current mill rate is 28.44. July is tax collection month and with the increased traffic to the tax collector, I want to remind everyone that the tax collector’s office is open from 8:30-1 and 2-4:30 five days a week. (We will be closed for all of Town Hall Monday July 4.)
As many of you are getting your tax bills, particularly for motor vehicles I want to remind everyone that there has been a large increase in the value of motor vehicles across the country. Chip shortages have limited the availability of new cars and so the demand for used cars and their value has skyrocketed. These valuations are reflected in the current assessed values of all of our vehicles, and therefore our tax bills, even with a substantial reduction in the town’s mill rate. Taxpayers will have the opportunity to appeal their Motor Vehicle assessments in September when the Board of Assessment Appeals holds hearings for Motor Vehicles only. Notices will be posted on the Town Website when the dates are set.
The town is continuing to work on drafting the conservation easement/restriction for the South Park Ave. property, as per the vote of the Special Town Meeting with representatives of the petitioners, the current tenants and the town’s attorney. I appreciate the active participation of those involved.
Got Veggies, Eggs or Honey to share? Easton Municipal Agent is accepting donations on Tuesday’s from 8am – 1pm to assist our homebound seniors. You may drop off your donations at Shaggy Coos, 53 Center Road.
While many of us will be attending firework displays this weekend to celebrate the Fourth of July. This serves as a good time to remind everyone that the Easton EMS will be holding our annual fireworks display on September 10, at Samuel Staples Elementary School. This is a fantastic event and the display rivals any fireworks in the area. It is also a fundraiser for EMS as we look to plan and build their new headquarters. Please visit their website at http://eastonems.com/ The new EMS building is something we can all get behind.
There Board of Selectmen meeting this Thursday, July 7th has been canceled.
This weekend we celebrate America’s independence. I hope all of you have a great, and especially a safe weekend.
Dave