A Message from First Selectman Bindelglass...

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Good afternoon,

My observations over the weekend were that we still appear to be doing an excellent job of social distancing. I saw quite a number of news reports of towns where that was not the case, I am very encouraged by our practices in Easton and I truly believed it continues to help keep us safe. Currently, 25 people in town have tested positive for COVID-19.

There are several town business issues I would like to discuss. The budget proposal will be posted for another 10 days and the volume of comments seems to be ramping up which is encouraging. When the comment period is over, the Board of Finance will consider the comments, call back several of the Departments to revisit and possibly revise their budgets, and then formulate a final proposed budget. Because of the prohibition on public gatherings, the Governor has ordered that we may approve budgets without the traditional Town Meeting or referendum. I would like to avoid doing this if at all possible. While I am uncertain about our ability to hold an acceptable Town Hall Meeting electronically, I am hopeful about still being able to hold a referendum, ideally in June. The paramount consideration would be safety and it is impossible to know for sure if this can be achieved.

Holding a referendum would also give Easton residents a chance to vote on joining the Westport/Weston Health District. The presentation for this proposal is now posted on the town website, click on the link on the home page www.eastonct.gov. Please respond with comments at bos@eastonct.gov. There have already been three public information sessions regarding the WWHD. The formal presentation will remain up for 30 days for comment.

The South Park Advisory Committee (SPAC) is drawing a lot of attention. In light of some correspondence the Committee has received, they have asked me to stress that their role is advisory only. We have redoubled our efforts to provide both ZOOM video and call in information on multiple sites for these meetings. (SPAC) agendas and minutes are posted on the Board of Selectmen page on the Town website.

The minutes for the last Board of Selectmen meeting are posted. Attached to them is a SAMPLE form for deferring your property taxes for ninety (90) days for economic hardship due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. I include this only so that you can familiarize yourself with the form. It is not due anytime soon. The exact dates and procedures are listed in the Governor’s Executive Order 7S. In my last post, I erroneously stated that the current interest rate is 3% a month for late payments. The correct number is 1.5% month for late payments. For those who cannot pay their taxes on time, the regular rate will be reduced to .25% per month for ninety (90) days.

This is also a great time to highlight all the great things people are doing around Easton. There are too many to list and I do not want to short change anyone but a heartfelt “THANK YOU” to all! We are neighbors taking care of neighbors, even within the extreme hardships that we all are facing ourselves. The effort being made to support our seniors is extraordinary! Our Social Services Director has resources to assist anyone in town. That just speaks volumes about our town. Our “town” is really our people. If you know of stories of people doing great things that you are comfortable sharing, I would love to hear them and share them with our neighbors.

Lastly, I realize these are difficult times. Stay safe and stay home and stay strong!

Dave Bindelglass

Please see the following links:

For mortgage relief, paycheck protection:
https://portal.ct.gov/DOB/Consumer/Consumer-Help/COVID-19-Mortgage-Relief

For information about unemployment benefits:
http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/

Center for Family Justice recently closed its main Bridgeport offices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Staff is now working remotely to serve clients in crisis. Domestic violence programs throughout the state are concerned victims may lack the ability to safely reach out for help as they are forced to stay in close quarters with an abuser.

The hotline numbers are:
Domestic Violence: 203-384-9559
Sexual Violence: 203-333-2233
Spanish Hotline: 888-568-8332