Tolland Town Manager’s Report Highlights Staffing, Community Services Projects And Department Updates

TOLLAND, CT — The Town Manager’s Office on Tuesday provided its monthly update to residents and the Town Council, outlining personnel changes, departmental activities and ongoing projects across town government.

In Human Resources, the report noted that the town welcomed James Cagne as a new part-time Animal Control Officer. The Public Works Department also added Noah Sanders and Michael Contois as laborers in its Parks and Facilities and Highway divisions, respectively.

The Assessor’s Office reported progress on valuation work for the 2025 motor vehicle and real estate lists, continued processing of business personal property filings and handling of seven applications for assessment reductions related to crumbling foundations. Officials also noted that a tax appeal filed by a local nursing facility, Woodlake Nursing Facility, was dropped.

Human Services thanked the community for support of its Care and Share Holiday Program, which served a record 332 residents with food bags and assistance during the holiday season. Residents are now able to apply for Connecticut Energy Assistance and use the Tolland Food Pantry, and a mobile food pantry is scheduled at the United Congregational Church for several January and February dates.

Youth Services reports included the launch of the Tolland Youth Services Community Theater Open House planned for February 24 and the rebranding of the Juvenile Review Board as the Youth Diversion Team to align with statewide restorative justice practices.

The Senior Center announced free AARP Tax Aide appointments starting February 3 and a Senior Center Chili Bowl event scheduled for February 5. Library programming for January and February was also detailed, including author talks, crafts, tech help and children’s activities.

In planning and development, vacancies were noted on the Inland Wetlands and Economic Development commissions and ongoing work was described on implementing new state housing laws and supporting infrastructure grants. The Conservation Commission also discussed goals for the coming year.

Several capital projects were highlighted, including sidewalk and safety improvement planning along Route 195, reconstruction of basketball courts at Crandall Park and Heron Cove, and renovations at Old Post Village funded through a Department of Housing grant. The town also received an $873,000 state award to support upgrades to the animal control facility.

Public safety sections described department training, community events such as the annual Festival of Lights and Wreaths Across America ceremony, and emergency management preparation for winter weather.

Public Works reported completion of its road resurfacing program and progress on park facilities, cemetery restoration work under a grant, and ongoing efforts to update traffic signage. The department asked for patience from residents as crews manage snow and ice during winter operations.

The Recreation Department said registration is open for preschool classes for 3- and 4-year-olds and that youth basketball is underway for the 2025–26 season.

Revenue and taxation details noted that as of Dec. 31, 2025, fiscal year collections were slightly lower than the previous year, and information was provided on second installment tax bills due by Feb. 2, 2026.