Dear Bethel,
Spring has sprung! In fact, our resident meteorologist in the Highway Department says there is 0% chance of snow tonight!
Last Monday evening the Bethel Board of Finance held a public hearing on the town budget, followed by a meeting on Tuesday to take one last look at the budget before the Annual Town Budget Meeting on April 3rd. The big news is that due to the outstanding folks running and working in the schools, and the knack that our Comptroller has for predicting utility rates, the Town will have some additional savings in the 2023-2024 budget! You can access the budget from the “2023-2024 Proposed Town Budget link on the Town’s home page. Next stop for the budget is the Annual Town Budget Meeting on April 3rd at 7 pm at the Bethel High School Auditorium.
This week the Town and the Bethel Administrative Clerical Union signed a new agreement! We are fortunate for having such great people working for Bethel residents! Thank you again!!!
Tomorrow the supporters of the Bethel Bark Park are hosting a fundraiser in the General Purpose Room at Town Hall from 10 am to 3 pm. There will dog inspired items for purchase, information for dog lovers, and food. I may even be there with my rescue from DAWS, Dixie!
There is no question that Bethel is home for art! Bethel Arts is hosting an opening reception for “Arts in View” art exhibition tomorrow, March 25th, from 2 to 4 pm featuring two local artists, Carol Gibson and Diana Gubbay. The event is free.
Also, next Friday and Saturday, March 31st and April 1st, the library hosts a Mini Golf Library Fundraiser. On Friday evening refreshments include beer and wine, so the event is limited to those over 21. But never fear! In true Bethel Library fashion, Saturday is a family day! Friday is $40 per person and Saturday is $5 per person ($20 max. per family). Tickets are still available through links on the events page on the Bethel Library website. Most importantly, take some time to explore the programs and activities the library has to offer. You may be surprised just how much our library does for our community!
The number one concern on the minds of many Bethel residents is development. Monday, March 27th, the Bethel Connecticut Independent Town Committee and the Bethel Action Committee are hosting a forum entitled “Finding Middle Ground” in the General Purpose room at Town Hall at 7 pm. between local zoning and State’s goals. Organizers describe it as an open discussion forum on striking a balance between local zoning autonomy, TOD initiatives, and state regulations.
I will have office hours next Wednesday, March 29th, from 7 am to 8 am in Town Hall Meeting Room A. I know it’s early, but it is a great opportunity to ask questions! The office hours two weeks later will be in the evening.
If you can’t make the office hours on Wednesday, I will be a guest on The Municipal Voice, the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities’ radio podcast at 12 pm. Among the topics, I will share an overview of the budgeting process here in Bethel. If interested, you can find the podcast on the CCM CT Facebook page or using the Municipal Voice link at www.ccm-ct.org.
Shout outs to Jess McGlinchey, Kerry Collins, and Kit Nielsen for winning the Bethel Education Foundation’s Janice Jordan Excellence in Education Award! We are so lucky to have each of you in our community!
Also, a huge congrats to Toshan Battacharya from the Bethel Middle School for winning at the Connecticut Science Fair! This impressive young man blew us away with his entry when he presented at the Board of Education’s meeting last night! Way to go!
Now, it is time to go to the NJROTC Military Ball! Having been to MANY military balls on active duty, I can tell you that Jane and I are excited about tonight’s event! Thank you in advance for all the hard work the leaders and cadets do to make Bethel amazing!
Have a great weekend!
Dan