Jan. 24 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

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

Jan. 24, 2025

Dear Bethel,

Property Assessments

If you received a tax assessment notice this week, it is NOT a bill. Bills go out in the summer. You may appeal your assessment to the Board of Assessment Appeals. Applications will be available on February 1st in the Assessor's Office at Town Hall and online. Applications must be received between February 1st and February 20th of each year. The Board will consider applications at meetings during the month of March.

2025-2026 Budget

We had some tough news this week. Skyrocketing healthcare insurance costs and electric rates are going to have significant effects on both the school and town budgets. We will have a better Idea where the town stands in February. Our Superintendent will be presenting proposals and options for the school budget to the Board of Education on Thursday, January 30th at 7 pm. Live stream will be available at http://devos2.bethel.k12.ct.us/show?video=763ff4de0370. The agenda and documents will be available next week at https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/2425.

Teen Center Open to 6th Graders

BIG NEWS from the Teen Center! The Teen Center is available for 6th graders as a trial for the months of February and March. Hours are Wednesday and Thursday from 3:30-5 pm and Fridays from 5:30-8:30pm with our open gym program that follows from 8:30-10 pm. Activities include baking, cooking, board games, video games, puzzles, crafts and more! Transportation available from the middle school. Email teencenter@bethel-ct.gov or call 203-778-7522 for more information.

Library Board of Directors

Do you have a Library Card? Interesting in an active position on a board? The Library Board of Directors is a very active board that has a huge impact on our community through programs offered at the Bethel Public Library. While appointed boards, especially the Library Board, are not political in nature, our charter has requirements for membership from political parties. We are looking for a registered Republican, a registered Independent, or an unaffiliated voter. If interested, please email firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov.

Office Hours

The next Office Hours is this Monday, January 27th from 7:30 am to 8:30 am at Town Hall in the First Selectman Office. Feel free to stop by with questions or concerns. You can always make an appointment for another time at 203-794-8540 or firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov.

P&Z Hearings

On Tuesday, January 28th at 7:00 pm at Town Hall in Conference Room D, the Planning & Zoning
Commission will continue public hearings for 20 Trowbridge Dr. (Site Plan) and 105 Milwaukee Ave. (8-30g affordable housing 12 units). The commission will begin a new public hearing for 53 Taylor Ave. (8-30g affordable housing 26 units) Learn more at https://bethel-ct.gov/2025-public-hearing and https://bethel-ct.gov/2025-zoning.

AARP Tax-Aide

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is returning to the Bethel Public Library to prepare tax returns on Wednesdays starting at 10:15 am, between February 5th and April 9th. Contact the Library at 203-794-8756 or visit www.bethellibrary.org/events to make an appointment. Spaces fill up fast! While this service is open to all CT residents there are certain types of taxes the service cannot file. For more info visit https://taxaide.aarpfoundation.org/types-of-tax-returns-tax-aide-can-prepare

Dress Exchange

If you have formal dresses, fancy cloths, or accessories that you could part with, you can make someone’s prom more special! The St. Thomas’ Formal Dress Exchange drop off is on Wednesday, February 5th from 10 am to 7 pm at 95 Greenwood Ave. The Dress Exchange event takes place the following weekend and is open to anyone needing formal attire, regardless of ability to donate. For information email dawnfaw@aol.com or call 203-770-3525.

Post Prom

With Prom on the horizon, let’s begin the effort to avert a community tragedy and keep our Seniors safe on Prom Night! Post Prom is an annual alcohol and drug free event held to keep our kids and community safe on prom night. You will likely see fundraisers pop up between now and the spring, but residents can start contributing now via Venmo at @BHS-PTSO. Please add Post Prom to the memo.

Aaron Goldberg Trio

Tickets are selling fast for the special performance of the Aaron Goldberg Trio sponsored by Bethel Arts at the Visual & Performing Arts Center at WestConn on Saturday, February 8th. The concert will raise funds for Bethel Arts programs. Visit www.bethelartsct.org for concert info and tickets. Check out the article in the Bethel Grapevine about the trio at www.bethelgrapevine.com.

Economic Outlook Presentation

The Director of Research and Head of the Research and Statistics Group at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Kartik Athreya, will be in Bethel to share insights on the current economic outlook with a special focus on regional business conditions on Thursday, February 13th at 4:00 pm at Greenwood Features. Email eddirector@bethel-ct.gov for information or click here to register. Sponsored by Newtown Savings Bank.

Shoutouts

Congrats to the Girls and Boys basketball teams for their victories over Brookfield this week! Texting their First Selectman to rub it in!

A shoutout to the Community Partnership crew who brighten our days in Town Hall! And to Daily Fare for supporting their “coffee cart!”

Way to go Ice Cats for a shutout victory of 4 – 0 over Newtown-New Fairfield this week!

Congrats to out Athletes of the Week, Fiona Dunleavy and Matthew Tarzia, for wins in their weight class!

A big shoutout to Ingersoll Auto for your grant to the Bethel High School STEM program!

Have a great weekend!
Dan