PRESENTATION
Robert Bessel
Canton's First Selectman
Bob is a 30 year resident of Canton. His wife Nancy is a retired art teacher. They live in Collinsville. Bob is a member of the Canton Lions Club and active on the Lions District 23-B Board and the Rotary-Lions Substance Abuse Taskforce. He has served the town in many capacities, including the Board of Education and the Economic Development Agency.
Canton has made a great outpouring of generosity during the crisis providing meals and many other items. The current uncertainty has been the main focus of the town. Not knowing which businesses will be able to reopen and when has been difficult. Keeping up with the number of COVID-19 cases has also been a challenge. Bob has been have daily discussions with Town staff and others to discuss how long it may take to recover. The business situation is constantly changing. The effect of the stimulus packages will hopefully be positive.
Bob said that government at all levels has become more responsive to dealing with the crisis. There has been lots of creativity and getting back to basics.
Governor Lamont has suspended many aspects of the municipal budget process due to the inability to hold public meetings. Canton's budget referendum has been suspended. The Board of Finance will taking public comments via email and phone before they set the final budget and mil rate for 2021. Bob emphasized the need for Canton residents to communicate with the Boards.
Larry Sullivan asked about the status of the Collins Axe Company bid process. Bob said the two companies were the best bidders. The winning bid has not been determined as yet. One of the bidders has asked to delay the closing until after May. The due diligence needs to be completed on any environmental cleanup. The last study was completed in 1999-2000. The Town has asked for a "Brown Field" assessment of the property.
Gary Roman said the that Payroll Protection Program (PPP) would be over in 8 weeks. He asked about delaying July 1st tax payments. The town has already done a 60-90 day deferment. Most taxes will be due on October 1st, except escrowed taxes still due on July 1st.
Arnie Goldman wondered how the town could justify raising the mil rate with a tax increase in these times. Bob explained that the increase was due to pension costs for retirees that were living longer, special education costs, the PFAS cleanup at Cherry Brook Primary School, bridge repairs, and paid firemen. The Grandlist rose about 1%--not as high as some other towns like Simsbury. $200,000 has already been taken from fund balance to reduce the budget impact. Not knowing when the crisis will end, the Town needs to retain its fund balance for future needs. Bob said that FEMA will be reimbursing up to 75% of claims.