March 1 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

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

March 1, 2024

Dear Bethel,

The Board of Finance has proposed a 2024-2025 annual budget. They are hosting a public hearing on Tuesday, March 19th at 7pm at the Bethel High School auditorium for community input. Visit https://bethel-ct.gov/depts-comptroller to view the proposed budget. If you can’t make the hearing, you can email comments to: budget@bethel-ct.gov. The Board of Finance will consider revisions and recommend the budget to the Town Meeting for a vote on April 4th. The budget will then go to a referendum machine vote on April 23rd.

Eversource met with Bethel and other communities this week to ensure we are prepared for the unlikely event we ever have electricity shortages. New England typically has enough electricity to meet our needs. But ISO-New England, the operator of our electric grid, recently communicated that if the right conditions occur, our region could experience shortages that could require controlled outages. There is no reason for alarm, but we should always be prepared. You can learn more at https://www.iso-ne.com/about/what-we-do/in-depth/controlled-outages.

Utility bills for Bethel Water and Sewer customers are in mailboxes today. Please remember payment is due before April 1st.

The legislative session is underway in Hartford. If you want to contact your representatives, visit https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/cgafindleg.asp

Senate Bill 153 hit the radar this week and could create a big cost to Bethel. Our kids who required special education and finish school are provided transition services until the end of the school year that they turn 22. Their teachers prepare individualized plans and their school pays for services needed, including transportation. SB 153 will shift the costs of special education transition at technical schools to towns. The state already underfunds Bethel’s special education and this will be a significant cost increase to Bethel.

The next office hours is Monday, March 4th from 6 pm to 7 pm at the Town Hall in the First Selectman office. It is a perfect time to pop in if you have ideas or concerns. Of course, you can always call and make an appointment.

If you are in a band or know a band, we are looking for bands for Food Truck Fridays on first and third Fridays in June July and August and the summer concert series on Sundays in August. Email firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov.

The Bethel Parks and Recreation Spring Flyer is available and registration starts Monday, March 4th at 9am. Registration deadline is 2 weeks prior to a class. EVERY Bethel resident should take a moment and check out what Bethel has to offer at https://bethelct.myrec.com/info/default.aspx.
Over 50? Our Senior Center March/April Newsletter is also available and there are tons of great programs and classes available. Visit https://bethel-ct.gov/senior-center and click on the newsletter link on the left side of the page. Or call 203-792-3048 and learn how you can receive the newsletter at home.

Wrap-A-Rescue is a great way to support local animal shelters and care for our furry friends. Visit Greenwood Features tomorrow, March 2nd from 11 am to 3 pm and Sunday, March 3rd from 2pm to 6 pm. Bring CLEAN towels, blankets (no stuffing), flat sheets, dog/cat food, paper towels, laundry detergent, wipes, latex gloves, and trash bags. Donors get one free pass to a movie this weekend. Contact diana@blackswanrealty.com with questions.

WorkspaceCT in Francis J Clarke Park presents The Seven Steps to Healthy Style Esteem with Clinton Kelly on March 8th at 6 pm. Clinton will share with you the advice that has made him one of the most popular “real people” stylists in North America for the past 20 years. Visit www.workspacect.org/events for tickets.

Bethel High School will be presenting the Cole Porter musical "Anything Goes" on March 15th at 7pm, March 16th at 7pm and March 17th at 2pm. For tickets and more information, please go to www.BHSTheaterBoosters.com. Tickets are also available at the door. Come support the arts in Bethel Public Schools!

We are all invited to the The Bethel Winterguard Friends and Family Night on Friday, March 22nd. The Junior, JV and varsity teams will perform. Admission and fun are free. If you haven’t had an opportunity to see the Winterguard perform, check out https://bethelwinterguardct.com/gallery. If you would like to donate a raffle item, please email Alyssa at alyssamchang@gmail.com.

Where do you find a farmers’ market on a weekday? Congrats to Bethel Organics Market on your grand opening! It’s worth a stop on Elizabeth Street behind Notch 8. Pink pineapple – that was a first.

A huge shoutout to the IceCats who are the 2023-2024 DIII SWC/SCC Champions!

Good Luck to the Boys Varsity Swim Team and the BHS Cheerleaders who are competing for the SWC Championship titles this weekend!

And a shoutout to our Girls Varsity Basketball who are in the2nd Round of the State Championship tonight! Good luck!

Have a great weekend!

Dan