Letter: First Selectman talks Beacon Falls

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(Editor’s note: This letter is the June First Selectman’s letter that appears on the Beacon Falls town website.)

Gerard Smith

To the editor,

I extend a big “thank you” to everyone who supported the administration in the close vote to pass the 2012-13 municipal budget. A list of items covered in the budget, some overdue and all crucial to town operations, can be found in May’s Selectman’s letter (www.beaconfalls-ct.org).

Now the most crucial part of the budget process is ready for your approval: a proposed bank loan to cover our expenses will be on the ballot.

Traditionally, Beacon Falls has obtained a bond to finance our operations. A bond is simply a municipal loan; the difference is that the bank note I am presenting will save our town a significant percentage over the cost of a bond. On June 14, an informational town meeting will be held at the firehouse prior to the proposal going to a vote. Residents will have opportunity to hear details and ask questions pertaining to the note issue. I encourage all residents to attend the meeting and seek information from Town Hall prior to the vote, because every last item included in the budget is absolutely crucial to moving the town forward. There is no fat in this budget.

Just a note, the Saturday following the May budget vote, the town ambulance that is slated for replacement broke down while responding to a call. The vehicle was out of service for a week. And, the 1997 public works truck that is also slated for replacement is currently out of service, waiting for repairs we hope not to have to make; that would be throwing good money after bad. Please come out and support this loan package; every vote counts.

The annual Duck Race held on May 5 drew a happy crowd. All of the vendor spaces were sold out and the weather cooperated for most of the day. The Duck Race and the River Fest were combined this year for the first time, resulting in one huge event. Both the Beacon Falls Lions and The Beacon Falls Merchants Association worked diligently to create a memorable day, and we enjoyed the company of many out-of town guests; a good time was had by all.

As you can see when you travel to Main Street, the end is near for the streetscape project. At this writing, pavement, lighting and handicap ramps have been installed. We had hoped to finish the project by the end of May, but inclement weather and state inspections delayed the project once again. I am pushing for a June 15 completion, once again, weather permitting.

Gerard Smith

First Selectman

Beacon Falls