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I can’t believe how fast January flew by. It was a month of onboarding new town employees (Welcome, Director of Parks and Recreation, Laura Murphy, and, Executive Assistant to the First Selectman’s Office, Kristen Lanese). Several meetings were held regarding 60 Vale Road cell tower, rental properties in town, the state-approved Brownfields project, the town-wide communication system upgrade, partnering with the YMCA for health and wellness programs, Center Elementary School repurposing plans, conservation initiatives, graffiti bridge, sewer inquiries, and of course, budget preparations.
The BOE proposed its budget with a 4.39% increase (https://www.brookfield.k12.ct.us/district/budget-information/pages/2023-2024-budget) and the Capital Committee concluded their work in reviewing all of the capital requests. In summary, the big items on this capital budget include the replacement of the high school main track and field, as well as vehicles and equipment for Police, Fire, Fire Marshall and Public Works. Furthermore, the Capital Committee is proposing a commitment to funding reserves for future capital projects. All departments have submitted their operational budgets. The biggest drivers for increases this year result from overall economic price increases in fuels, health insurance and electricity. The BOS budget calendar is set and we'll start our meetings on 14 February 2023.
In mid-January, I attended the CCM (CT Council of Municipalities) legislative session at the Armory in Hartford as well as the COST (CT Council of Small Towns) legislative session in Plainville. Both meetings included legislatures and municipal leaders, as well as the Governor, State Controller, Secretary of State and Attorney General. Both carried the same themes regarding the impact of the 2023 legislative session on small towns - 169 towns are experiencing similar challenges: the need for increased EMS/public health and safety, infrastructure, education, state mandate relief, facility upgrades, the environment, housing, etc. Brookfield is representative of what is happening on a larger scale. To learn more, please visit cost_2023_legislative_platform.pdf (ctcost.org)
As we enter February, I look forward to kicking off Random Acts of Kindness Week, which will run from February 14th through the 17th (Random Acts of Kindness Day). As Jackie Chan said, “sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change someone’s life.” So, let’s collectively strive to open our hearts - and as the walls of Whisconier and BHS say, “Be Kind” to one another across our community. To learn more, please visit February 2023 – Spread The Love - ESI Group (theeap.com)
Although Winter has been extremely mild so far, it's not over yet. Whether you hope for snow or warmer days, I hope you and yours have a great February.
Yours in Service,
Tara Carr
First Selectman
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Board of Selectmen Meeting
Monday, February 6, at 7:00 p.m., Meeting Room 133. The meeting agenda will be posted on the town website the Friday afternoon before the meeting and live-streamed and recorded for viewing.
Town Offices will be closed on:
Monday, February 13 for Lincoln’s Birthday and Monday, February 20 Washington’s Birthday.
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Board of Selectmen Coffee with Community
Coffee with the Community is on February 25 from 9:00 am-10:00 am at The Café, located at 802 Federal Rd. We encourage you to stop by with any questions or concerns for the Board of Selectmen.
Tax Collector
The last day to pay taxes is February 1, 2023. You may view your tax bill online.
Please visit the Tax Collector’s page on the Town of Brookfield website for additional information at https://www.brookfieldct.gov/tax-collector
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Avoid Being scammed!
If you're contacted by phone, email or text message by someone claiming to be from your bank, credit card company, phone/internet provider or utility company, please don’t respond to them directly.
If they claim they're calling from your bank for example, look up the phone number for the bank and call the bank yourself.
If the caller claims to be from your credit card company, call the number on the back of your credit card.
Don’t click on any link in emails or text messages- that includes links stating you should click them in to “opt-out” of any future messages.
One of the telltale signs of a scam is a false sense of urgency. Scammers don't want you to think about what’s happening- they want you to worry about your electricity getting shut off, your bank account being frozen, or something similar, so they try to convince you something bad will happen if you don’t act immediately.
DON’T CALL BACK ANY NUMBER LEFT ON YOUR VOICEMAIL, EMAIL OR TEXT.
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Assessor
Click here for information about Capital Tax Recovery (CTR) Notice.
If you no longer have your vehicle, please email our office the plate receipt and proof of what happened to the vehicle to assessor@brookfieldct.gov
If you closed your business in town go to the link: https://www.brookfieldct.gov/assessor/pages/closingmoving-business for instructions and forms.
Seniors and veterans applications were mailed for February 1st. If you've previously gotten state or local senior tax relief or additional veterans benefits, you'll automatically be mailed your new application for this year. After you do your tax return, please come into the office with the application, all your tax information, and the 2022 return, so we may process your paperwork.
If you're not required to do a tax return, as soon as you get our paperwork in the mail, please come in with it and any tax documents you received for the 2022 tax year. If you have any questions or need any help, please call our office at 203-775-7302.
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A mild Winter has allowed two commercial projects in the Town Center District to continue construction - the medical center at 730 Federal Rd and the Food Emporium Grocery Store and Ace Hardware across the street at 731 Federal Rd (see picture below). The grocery store is scheduled to open in the Spring of 2024. For more highlights, follow our Economic Development Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BrookfieldCT. | |
The DPW Facilities division completed the installation of two new ADA-compliant bathrooms on the first floor of our public library. The existing bathrooms were original to the building and in bad need of an upgrade. They should serve the needs of the Library well for many years. | |
Applications for the CT Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) continue to be processed. If your income is no more than $39,761 (individuals) and $51,996 (couples), you may be eligible for assistance with your heating bills. To apply, you must show current income information, including the last 4 weeks of pay stubs if you’re employed. Please contact Ryan Soto at 203-775-7312 if you think you qualify. | |
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Valentine’s Day isn’t the only reason why love is in the air - February is also National Library Lover’s Month - a time to celebrate libraries, librarians, book lovers, and lovers of libraries. We have a full slate of programs, book discussions and activities this month, and patrons of all ages will find lots to LOVE about the Brookfield Library. Check out our Events Calendar for details here. Highlights include Valentine’s activities for adults and kids and our annual Teddy Bear Sleepover and Take Your Child to the Library. We’re looking forward to the formation of our new Teen Council, where kids in grades 6–12 can play an active role in planning teen programs. The Connecticut Calligraphers exhibit in the Art Gallery continues, with an Art Reception and calligraphy demonstration on February 11. We’ll close out the month with a concert featuring “the Softer Side of Celtic” with Jeff Snow, who will share his love and knowledge of Scottish heritage in a delightful program of traditional and original songs. What’s not to love about the Brookfield Library?
As with other Town Offices, the Library will be closed on February 13 and 20, in observance of Lincoln’s and Washington’s birthdays, respectively.
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Northrop Cemetery pictured below recently had a landscaping cleanup and was restored to its beautiful state. | |
Click here for Parks & Recreation’s WINTER 2023 PROGRAM GUIDE | |
Click here for the Brookfield Public Schools update on the Superintendent’s three main points from the Board of Education regular meeting on January 4, 2023 and January 18, 2023, as well as Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Mahon’s January 2023 Newsletter. | | |
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Town Boards and Commissions
Visit our website regularly for updates and a schedule of upcoming meetings.
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Town Events and Activities
Follow town department social media pages for all that is going on around town.
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