July 3 Update From Easton First Selectman Bindelglass

**News Release Submitted by Easton First Selectman Bindelglass**

July 3, 2025

Good afternoon,

The Town Hall will be closed Friday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day.

As intervenors in the PURA hearing on the sale of the Aquarion Water Company, we are filing a motion that asserts that the initial filing by RWA/Eversource is deficient and misrepresents the actual acquiring party (RWA) and should therefore be revised or withdrawn. This is one of a number of legal strategies we are employing with the PURA Commissioners, which we are working on with counsel and our advisors.

As most of us have received our Tax bills, some may have seen increases in their Motor Vehicle assessments. Over the past couple of years, the Governor and State Lawmakers have proposed and passed legislation to reform the Motor Vehicle valuation process for property taxes. In past years, motor vehicles were assessed at 70% of the retail value of the vehicle. Effective for the October 1, 2024 Grand List (July 2025 Taxes), Motor Vehicles are valued using the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) and applying the Statutory Depreciation Schedule to calculate the depreciated value. The assessment is 70% of the depreciated value of the vehicle. As we transition over to this new valuation method, some will see a reduction in their assessments, and some will see increases in assessments (predominantly with older vehicles). Along with the change in valuation, Snowmobiles, ATVs, and personal use Residential Utility Trailers are now exempt, and you will not receive a tax bill for these vehicles. For additional information on the new valuation process, please see the Motor Vehicle section of the Assessor’s webpage at https://www.eastonct.gov/assessor/pages/motor-vehicles.

The Easton’s Tax Collector’s and Assessor’s offices want to make certain that residents are only paying what they owe - and avoiding unnecessary fees or frustrations along the way. Along with your tax bill, there is an insert that contains critical information for you to read. Please look for it and read through it. You can find more information at the following places on our website.

Here are the tax links:

• Motor Vehicle Taxes Link
• New Vehicle Assessment Rules
• Veterans

Schuyler Sherwood was sworn in this week as our new Emergency Management director. He has already been integral as the Deputy Director in reviewing and working on many of our safety systems, protocols, and the integration of our emergency services.

With the Fourth of July coming up, the Office of the Fire Marshal reminds everyone to celebrate safely. In Connecticut, only sparklers and fountains are legal—aerial and explosive fireworks are not allowed. Even sparklers can cause injury, so use them with caution and only if you’re 16 or older. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is by attending a public display run by licensed professionals. As a physician, I can tell you that I have taken care of numerous injuries from fireworks on the 4th of July. Please be careful. Also, please be mindful of neighbors and pets, and their safety. Please click this link for further important information.

We have seen an increase in driveway work being done at night. First, we are concerned that these may be substandard contractors who may be ripping off residents by doing substandard work. Second, all driveway work requires a permit from the Department of Public Works. If a contractor proposes only working overnight on your driveway, please make sure they are legit and have obtained a permit.

The “Grow a Row Program” for Easton Seniors is underway. Donations of homegrown produce or items purchased from Easton farms can be dropped off at Shaggy Coos Farm at 53 Center Road on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon, beginning July 8, for volunteers to deliver the food to Easton’s seniors.
Easton Community Action Alert for Ukraine! There is an emergency need for manual tools to help dig out. If you have any such items you’re willing to donate, the Easton Fire Department has offered to be the town’s collection point to receive donations for shipment to Ukraine. Here’s an opportunity to clean out your garage to donate duplicate items you may have! The collection runs through July 6th. A drop-off storage container is on the Easton Fire Department premises.

Around town:

Concerts on the Hill at Christ Church on Sundays, June 22- July 27. Gates open at 5:30 pm. Music 6:00 – 8:00 pm. $12/adult, $8/senior, kids free. Food trucks at all events. Line up: 7/6 Triple Boch, 7/13 CT Grateful Dead All Stars, 7/20 Birdsey Beers, 7/27 Dan Tressler & Friends. Sponsored by Hi-Ho Energy Services (D’Addario’s) & Tidewater Electronics. More info here.

The Easton Library is hosting “Knitting Without Needles” (Grades 6 & up), Wednesday, July 9th, from 4:00-5:00 PM. Certified knitting instructor Dawn, The Stitching Coach, will lead a class on arm knitting, a fun modern twist on the classic. Beginners and experts alike will enjoy the fast and fun knitting technique of arm knitting. At the end of the in-person 1-hour program, patrons will be able to cast on, knit, and bind off an infinity scarf. Registration Required.

REMINDER: Aquarion Water Company is conducting dam maintenance/rehabilitation with required night work. Please be advised that there will be nighttime work on the Easton reservoir dam off South Park Avenue, Mondays through Thursdays, 9:00 pm – 7:00 am, throughout the summer.

Happy Fourth of July. Enjoy your weekend,

Dave