January 7, 2022
COVID-19
As the Omicron variant spreads throughout the State and country, I encourage residents to take precautions and protect themselves from this highly transmissible strain of COVID-19. Vaccinations have been shown to reduce the severity of illness, so I urge residents to get the vaccine and booster if they have not already. Masks are now required in municipal buildings to protect employees and the public, and I strongly encourage residents to wear masks in all public settings. We will keep residents updated through the Town website and Facebook of testing sites and vaccine clinics as well as any additional measures taken to combat the spread.
DISTRIBUTION OF COVID-19 HOME TEST KITS
Last Tuesday we had a very successful distribution of COVID-19 home test kits provided by the State. I would like to thank the Emergency Management Director, Steve Schnell, for coordinating and orchestrating the event. This was a collaborated effort by many town departments: Southbury Police, Fire, Public Works and volunteers. On behalf of the Board of Selectmen and the Town, we would like to say thank you to all who participated.
COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINICS AT PDDH OFFICE
Reminder that Pomperaug District Department of Health is holding COVID-19 vaccination clinics on Tuesdays from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm at the PDDH office (77 Main Street N, Playhouse Corner - Suite 205 Southbury, CT 06488). Appointments are required and can be made on PDDH website.
COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE
To continue promoting and gathering community input for the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), a Community Open House will be held on Thursday, January 13, 2022 from 4pm to 7pm in Room 205 at the Southbury Town Hall. This event will consist of an ongoing presentation and a series of interactive exercises along with the opportunity to ask questions and get more information. Residents are invited to attend at any time between those hours. More information about the POCD can be found on the Town’s website.
YANKEE INSTITUTE FISCAL HEALTH SCORE
The Yankee Institute recently published a report on the fiscal health of towns in CT. I’m happy to say that Southbury is in the top 15%, number 27 of 169 towns. . The Board of Finance, Board of Selectmen and Fiscal Office have consistently made responsible financial decisions on behalf of the Town that have set Southbury up for a stable financial future. The Town continues to have healthy reserves, and we are optimistic about our capability to control increases in the budget and mill rate. The Yankee Institute report can be viewed here.
Jeff Manville
Southbury First Selectman