Budget
On Tuesday, February 25th there will be the third and final meeting for budget presentations to the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance in the Town Hall General Purpose Room at 7 pm. The Board of Education will be presenting the school budget on this night. There are no opportunities for public comment on the 25th, but you are welcome to join in person or watch on Google Meet. The link will be available by next Friday and will be on the town meeting calendar.
Residents can comment on the Budget at a public hearing on March 19th at Bethel High School at 7 pm. You may send comments or thoughts about the budget to: budget@bethel-ct.gov. Check out the "Let's Talk Bethel" video series at https://www.bethel.k12.ct.us/. Scroll down to the bottom of the page, under "Recent News" and you can find Dr. Carver's newsletter and the video series.
Bethel’s Financial Strength
How can the town be in good financial shape and still be faced with tough budget increases that require difficult decisions? In 2022 the Board of Selectmen updated our Fund Balance Policy and changed the amount of money required to remain unassigned in our general fund from 10% to 18% of our operating expenditures. The goal is to keep enough money available to fund potential contingent needs of the town without over taxing residents. The policy also helps the town retain the highest credit rating, which saves us money in interest rates when we need to borrow. For instance, when we refinanced bond debt in November, we maintained a AAA rating and saved the town $2 million.
Our policy also limits the circumstances where we can use our fund balance to operating emergencies, unanticipated budget shortfalls, and the purchase of capital assets. If the fund balance exceeds 18%, we can transfer the excess to our Debt Service Fund, Capital Nonrecurring Fund, or our Tax Stabilization Fund. The policy keeps us from spending our fund balance on operating expenses, which creates a hole in future budgets. Learn more about fund balance at https://www.gfoa.org/materials/fund-balance-guidelines-for-the-general-fund
Weekend Weather
Emails are coming in from Eversource, Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, and the Governor regarding the impact of snow and ice Saturday night and Sunday AM, followed by dangerously low temperatures next week. Please have cars and garbage cans off the roads for plowing. Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to call 2-1-1.
With more snow possible next week, it can be difficult to determine when to close Town Hall due to snow and ice. Sometimes the forecast looks awful and we close, only to find a delayed opening would work. Please understand if we err, it’s on the side of safety.
Culinary Classes
WorkspaceCT has so many opportunities and is located right here in Bethel! Check out their monthly culinary classes. Next Thursday, February 20th you can join Chef Elaina and make fresh, homemade pasta from scratch and a creamy cannoli dip paired with crispy cannoli chips for the perfect dessert twist. Register at https://www.workspacect.org/culinary.
Bethel Restaurant Week is back from February 24th to March 2nd. Sponsored by the Bethel Chamber of Commerce, it is a chance to visit your favorite local eateries. The latest list includes: Avocado Mexican Restaurant, Broken Symmetry, Community Shellfish, Dragonfly, Fat Tony’s, La Zingara, Notch 8, Portofino Restaurant, Shakedown Street Eats, Sycamore, UK Gourmet, Vesta, and Whitlocks. More restaurants may be registered, so check out https://bethelchamberofcommerce.com/event/restaurant-week.
Bethel Softball
Bethel Softball Association's Spring registration ends March 4th! BSA is a youth softball league focusing on teaching the game of softball for ages PreK-4 through 13. They offer both recreational as well as travel divisions. Sign-up here: https://www.bethelctsoftball.com/.
Annual Mini Golf
Save the date: The Bethel Public Library Board of Directors Mini Golf "fore" the library fundraiser is back March 28 & 29. Tickets are now on sale. Check out www.bethellibrary.org/minigolf/ for more details. Local businesses, interested in being a sponsor? Email libraryboard@bethellibrary.org to learn more.
Mardi Gras
LAST CALL for tickets for Bethel Education Foundation’s “Mardi Gras Carnival” on Saturday, March 1st at 6 pm. A night of dinner, dancing, and both live and silent auctions. The Dr. Janice Jordan Excellence in Education Awards are presented to educators whose creativity within the classroom, school or district has had a significant impact on student performance and achievement. Visit https://www.betheledfoundation.org/annual-benefit.html.
WWII Veterans
The Office of the Lt. Governor, in partnership with Connecticut Veterans Affairs and the Connecticut National Guard, is coordinating a ceremony in May to recognize all living World War II veterans in the state. The ceremony has been scheduled in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. If you know a WWII veteran in Bethel, please put us in touch by calling 203-794-8540 or email firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov.
Shoutouts
Good Luck Wildcat Wrestling at the SWC’s in New Fairfield on Monday!
Congrats Riley Kane for all around championship at the SWC gymnastics meet! Fantastic job!
Congrats to the 16 – 3 Lady Wildcats for the win over Stratford. Good luck on the final regular game against Newtown tonight!
Boys Indoor Track has won their third consecutive SWC Championship! Way to go!
Town Hall is Closed on Monday, February 17th for President’s Day