5/08/2020 A Message from First Selectman Bindelglass...
Good afternoon,
Somehow another week has passed. We have received notification that there will be no more school this year, so that uncertainty is removed. Many surrounding towns are grappling with issues related to reopening; concerns we largely do not have to face. Activity at our eateries will be dealt with at the state level. Our farms remain open, and more will come online as summer approaches. Because of the town’s exemplary commitment to social distancing, our open spaces have been able to remain accessible. Our park and rec staff are leading the effort to open some of our facilities. Guidelines for summer programs will be coming shortly from the state. While all of this is welcomed news, I still want to emphasize for us to “keep up the great work." Masks in public, social distancing, and hand hygiene will remain part of our daily lives. These practices are our new normal and will not soon be over.
In terms of the town’s business, the Board of Finance is now meeting in earnest to create a budget for the town. While these meetings bring out some strong emotions, we must all realize that we need to work together to finish the job. This year that task is more difficult than ever because literally no one knows what the future will bring. The Governor’s office has been evaluating how to balance the need for public safety and public input and has ultimately decided to completely ban any town meeting or referendum for the purpose of passing the budget. Therefore, the budget created by the Board of Finance will ultimately be our budget. I have spent considerable time with the Governor’s office, reviewing executive orders before this became the final word. I will say that writing executive orders is an incredibly difficult job as the whole state hangs on the nuances of every word. However, as is our tradition, Easton fought harder than probably any town in the state to maintain the right of our citizens to have a say in our budgetary process.
In order to help you voice your needs, a form is now available on the eastonct.gov website for citizens to get a 90 day deferral on your property taxes if you have been adversely effected financially by the pandemic. Eligibility is defined on the form. Go to the website and the tax collector’s page to access the form. If you have any trouble, you can call the tax collector department at town hall, and a form will be mailed to you. The senior center can also assist you. Please return this form as soon as possible; it must be postmarked by July 1, 2020.
It is hopefully clear that under these circumstances one of the most important departments in town is the health department. Every expert agrees that the cornerstone of reopening our economy is a combination of testing and contact tracing. This is a matter of public safety and requires resources. As you may recall, both Polly Edwards, our sanitarian, and Chris Michos, MD our part time health director, expressed their desire to retire before the pandemic. Fortunately, they have agreed to remain. However, they clearly explained (before Covid-19) that especially in the public health area they are unable to provide the level of services that the town needs. If, as many experts predict, a second wave of the virus appears, we may not be as lucky as we were this time. Both are extremely dedicated and will do what they can until an alternative is found. They have also expressed their conviction that joining the Westport Weston Health District is most advantageous for the town. Last night, the Board of Selectmen discussed alternatives. Ideally, this is a major town decision which should be voted upon, and as things are fluid daily, we may be able to hold a modified referendum to decide about joining the Westport Weston Health District. Maintaining an Easton Health Department has been explored and would require a significantly increased appropriation from the Board of Finance in an already very difficult budget. Easton could enter into a short term contractual agreement with the health district, which would give us the service we need for public safety. We would eventually vote on whether or not to join. If the vote is negative, we would have an opportunity to thoughtfully construct a health department for Easton. Please remember there were three public information sessions prior to the pandemic including one at the Senior Center and that presentation and the overall presentation on the proposal have been posted for some time. The Board of Selectmen will discuss this issue again on May 21.
Again, our town hall staff has done extraordinary work to keep services available to our residents. Our first responders continue to be there for all of us, and through their own diligence have remained safe and healthy themselves. This is paramount to being able to assist those in need. Our ability to provide for those struggling in our town is also amazing between our senior center, our town social workers and an incredible spirit of volunteerism.
We are blessed to live in such a beautiful and wonderful town. Be well and safe. Have a great weekend!
Dave Bindelglass