June 21 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

**News Release Submitted by Bethel First Selectman Dan Carter**

June 21, 2024

Dear Bethel,

Attention Bethel Water Department Customers: Due to the recent hot weather and emergency maintenance on a source of our water supply, please do not water yards or irrigate your property between tomorrow, June 22nd and July 2nd. Customers may also experience temporary water discoloration.

Bethel is fortunate to host the Northern Fairfield County Probate Court in our Town Hall, which is one of 54 Probate Districts and serves Bethel, Newtown, Redding, and Ridgefield. This week leaders from the area joined our current Probate Judge, Bethel’s own Steven DeMoura, for a ceremony honoring the past probate judges, including Bethel resident Judge Dan O’Grady, who served as a judge for over 25 years.

We have received feedback regarding the fact that our tax bills historically arrive in the middle of June and are due July 1st. While residents have until August 1st to pay without any interest, we are looking into the possibility of having bills out earlier next year, essentially giving residents two months to pay. More to follow.

Bethel residents can pay Bethel taxes at both Newtown Savings Bank locations in Bethel. Please remember to bring your bill or a portion of the bill showing what you owe. Also note that Newtown Savings processes payments in Woburn, MA, so please do not be concerned with a Massachusetts return address on your tax bills. Payments can also be left in the large yellow drop box in front of Town Hall.

Question 2 of 5: Last March a small group of citizens from across the community gathered for a workshop with the goal to help Town leadership to define our priorities. The group explored 5 questions. The second question was: “Where is Bethel falling short?” There are concerns about our youth, specifically bullying issues, crowded schools and teacher diversity, and concerns about providing social services, including helping those with food security, providing mental health resources, and the affordability for seniors in town. Transportation is a concern, specifically sidewalks, crosswalk enforcement, traffic flow, parking, and bike lanes. Community investment is a concern, especially the need for recreation facilities and a community center. Finally, Government and Town issues need to be addressed, including the strain of developing too fast and the need for “smart growth.” Where do you think Bethel is falling short? Email firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov. Stay tuned next week for question 3.

In Connecticut, the energy supply price changes twice a year, January 1st and July 1st. On July 1st the Eversource standard service rate will go down from 14.71 to 8.99 cents per kWh. Unfortunately, the savings will be offset by increases in the "Public Benefits" portion of customer bills, which is driven by state-mandated and energy programs, policies, and initiatives. We can expect an average increase of $48 per month through next April. If you need financial assistance, visit www.eversource.com and type “assistance” in the search bar.

On Tuesday, June 25th at 7:00 pm at Town Hall in Conference Room D, the Planning & Zoning Commission will continue public hearings for 18 Stony Hill Rd and 140 Greenwood Ave and begin new hearings for 22 Stony Hill Rd and 25A Turkey Plain Rd. Check out upcoming public hearings at https://bethel-ct.gov/2024-public-hearing and Planning & Zoning agendas at https://bethel-ct.gov/2023-zoning for more info.

The next Office Hours is Monday, June 24th from 5 pm to 6 pm. While office hours are great opportunities to stop by and share concerns or ask questions, please feel free to set up a call or visit. 203-794-8540 or firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov.

Tomorrow, June 22nd is Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day for Bethel residents is at BHS. It is super easy and they remove the items from your car for you. Check out what you can and can’t dispose of at https://hrra.org/household-hazardous-waste.

Look out for Trista’s Ride in Bethel on Sunday, June 23rd. Trista Vaughan, a Bethel resident, lost her battle with breast cancer in 2013. Her family continues the event which originally raised money for Trista and her children to fundraise for local families and organizations in need. This year, 100% of proceeds will go to Cristine Padovano, a Bethel mother who is currently battling breast cancer. Trista’s Ride begins leaves the Fairfield Hills campus in Newtown at 11 am (Meet at 10 am), travels on Rt 302 through Bethel, and turns south on to Rt 53 to St. Mary Cemetery. The ride leaves the cemetery around noon and ends at the Newtown VFW Post 308, 18 Tinkerfield Rd., around 1 pm. Expect live music by Pop Rocks CT, food from Taco Bachi of Brookfield, and a custom motorcycle show with prizes as well as a raffle with donations from many local businesses. All are welcome to attend either or both portions of the event. There is a suggested $20 donation, but organizers promise “any help is appreciated.”

Don’t miss the Bethel Artisan's Outdoor Market on Saturday, June 29th from 10 am to 4 pm at 268 Greenwood Ave. This is a great opportunity to come out and support businesses on the west end of Greenwood Ave., including the hosts, Time to Be Candles and Gifts and Global Treats.

Congratulations Bethel Power on your grand reopening this week!

A shoutout to Debra Demuth who is among our retiring Board of Ed staff! Thank you for all you have done for our community!

A huge shoutout to all the town departments who have worked hard this week to finish up approvals for the Police Department Firing Range! It looks like the range will be ready to go next week!

Have a great weekend!

Dan