Easton Selectmen Advance Tax Refunds, Dispatch Center Plan

EASTON, CT — The Easton Board of Selectmen approved tax refunds, advanced several public safety initiatives and set upcoming meeting dates during a special meeting held Nov. 20 at Town Hall and via Zoom, according to minutes filed with the town clerk.

First Selectman Dan Lent called the meeting to order and the board quickly approved minutes from Oct. 16.

Tax Refunds and Driveway Requests Approved

Selectmen unanimously authorized a series of local tax refunds recommended by the tax collector, covering vehicle leasing companies, individual taxpayers and several Nissan Infiniti accounts. The board also approved a driveway variance for 63 Sweetbrier Trail and released a driveway bond for work at 63 Staples Road.

Septic Maintenance Contract

The board awarded a $14,100 contract to Wind River Environmental, LLC for septic tank pumping and cleaning at various town buildings.

Regional Dispatch Center Proposal

Emergency Management Director Schuyler Sherwood delivered an update on a previously commissioned study recommending Easton transition to a regional emergency dispatch center. The analysis reviewed regional models using criteria including safety, technology, finances and staffing.

According to the presentation, the town currently has only one dispatcher on duty and outdated communications technology. Officials said joining a regional center would allow 90 percent of calls to be answered within 10 seconds and is projected to save Easton roughly $100,000 per year, compared with spending the same amount annually to update local systems.

A public information session at the library will be scheduled ahead of a Town Meeting. If the proposal advances, an appropriation of $615,000 would go before the Board of Finance.

Fire and EMS Honorariums, Ordinance Updates

Selectmen also voted to request funding for increased honorariums for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel, which were adjusted earlier this year to offset inflation and improve volunteer recruitment.

Fire Chief Robert Klem presented recommended updates to the town’s Fire Commission Ordinance, which were reviewed by outside consultants. The board unanimously accepted the revisions.

December Meetings Scheduled

The board scheduled a Dec. 2 joint meeting with the Board of Finance and a Dec. 10 Special Town Meeting to consider appropriations for the library project, the regional dispatch center, first responder honorariums and the updated Fire Commission ordinance.

Selectmen also approved the 2026 meeting calendar, with minor exceptions.

Health District Appointment and Town Facilities

The board appointed former Easton first selectman David Bindelglass as a permanent member of the Aspetuck Health District Task Force and extended its charge through Dec. 31, 2025. The number of members was increased from seven to eight.

Lent reported ongoing roof leaks at Town Hall and said additional repair quotes were pending.

Commission Appointments

The board accepted Gregg Saunders’ resignation from the Board of Finance and thanked him for his service. James Waterbury was appointed to the EMS Commission for a term ending Jan. 2, 2028.

Resident Concerns and Board Comments

During public comment, residents raised questions about the state’s recent decision to block a water-company acquisition, potential future water infrastructure projects and misinformation circulating online about the proposed dispatch center. Selectmen said new emergency radios would integrate with a regional system, and they urged residents to rely on posted study materials.

The board also encouraged residents to continue using the town’s newsletter and offered holiday well-wishes ahead of Thanksgiving.