June 27 Update From Bethel First Selectman Carter

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

June 27, 2025

Dear Bethel,

Car Taxes

We have had many questions this week regarding vehicle taxes. Our annual budget increased car taxes by $1.24 for each $1,000 in assessed value of a vehicle. A vehicle with an assessed value of $50k would have a $62.00 increase in taxes. However, last year the State Legislature changed the way the assessment is calculated for vehicles. Instead of using JD Power data for current values, assessed value is now based a vehicle’s Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) with a 20 year depreciation schedule. The result has been a significant change in taxes due on many vehicles in Bethel, both increases and decreases. Cars with a higher MSRP may see a significant increase. If you would be interested in joining a meeting, either in person or virtually, to learn more about the changes, please let us know your email and availability HERE.

101 Critical Days of Summer

The "101 Critical Days of Summer" is the period from Memorial Day to Labor Day, traditionally recognized as a time when military members, in particular, are at higher risk for off-duty mishaps and injuries. The initiative was launched by the Air Force, arguably the best service branch, and other branches have adopted the campaign to promote safety awareness and risk management during recreational activities. While fireworks, pools, dehydration, grilling, and food safety are things we should all watch out for, July and August are when the most car accidents and fatalities happen. Use extra caution next week!

From CTDOT

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that there will be no
maintenance or construction activities on limited-access highways for the upcoming
Independence Day Holiday, from 6 am Thursday, July 3rd to 6 am Monday, July 7th. Only work of an emergency nature will be considered.

Attention Business Owners

Business Owners: Bethel Chamber of Commerce “Connect for Success” events are a great way to meet other local business owners. Join them at Pete’s Sake Delicatessen on Tuesday, July 1st from 8:30 am to 9:30 am and/or Uncle Leo’s on Tuesday, July 15th at 8:30 am to 9:30 am. Learn more at https://bethelchamberofcommerce.com/ and select “events.”

Where’s Waldo?

Where’s Waldo in Bethel starts Tuesday, July 1st! Look for Waldo in 25 businesses all over Bethel from July 1st to July 31st. Waldo Hunters get a stamp on their passports when they find Waldo hiding in each of the business. The more stamps, the more chances for prizes! The event culminates with an outdoor celebration on Saturday July 31st at 4:00pm. Goodie bags are available for the first 50 Waldo Hunters who attend. Learn more at https://byrdsbooks.com/.

Firecracker 8k Road Race

The 59th Annual John Demille Firecracker 8K Road Race starts at 8:00 am on Friday. July 4th in front of Town Hall. ONLINE registration ENDS at midnight on July 3rd. The runners will head east on School Street, north on Wooster St, north on Juniper Rd., north on Wooster St., east on Durant Ave, south on Library Pl., east on Greenwood Ave., south on Chestnut Ridge, southwest on Nashville Rd., west on South St., north on Grassy Plain St., west on Greenwood Ave., north on Library Pl and Durant Ave., south on Wooster St., south on Juniper Rd., south on Wooster St., east on School St. to the finish line in front of Town Hall. Learn more and register at https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Bethel/JohnDemilleFirecracker8KRoadRace.

Matilda Jr.

Mark your calendars for the ERA Productions and Bethel Park and Rec’s performance of Matilda Jr. Local 6th - 8th graders will perform at Bethel Middle School on Friday, July 11th at 7 pm and Saturday, July 12th at 2 pm and 7 pm. Tickets are available at https://ticketpeak.co/bethelparkandrec/events.

Shoutouts

A huge shoutout to the Bethel Middle School Music Department! Earlier this month the Premier Choir, Premier Orchestra, and Premier Band participated in the annual Fantastic Festivals Adjudication Festival at Manchester High School. Premier Band and Premier Orchestra received High Gold ratings, and Premier Choir earned a Platinum rating and First Place in their class! To the staff and all 128 students who participated, you are amazing and the town is proud of your exceptional musical achievements!

170 years ago yesterday, the Legislature passed the legislation that created Bethel! We are a little unsure of which date to use as our official birthday, as our first town officers were elected on July 16th, 1855. For this Friday Update, we will use the latter. Happy Birthday Bethel!

Thank you to longtime resident Russ Luts who has donated the original Plumtrees Schoolhouse clock to the Plumtrees Schoolhouse Association in honor of his father William Luts. The association is doing research to understand the original location of the clock in the building and will be installing it shortly.

A very special shoutout to Amanda Riley, our favorite Lunch Lady. Amanda, you are an amazing lady, thank you, and we will miss you! Unfortunately, a contract change means she is moving on after 16 years. She has a heartfelt message for folks around town: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16j8sFkCmd/

Town Hall is closed on Friday, July 4th.

Have a great weekend!