Job Openings
The Town of Bethel has two positions open: a full-time Associate Director of Environmental Health Services and a part-time Benefits Coordinator/HR Assistant. For information and an application, visit Bethel Employment.
New Marketing Plan
The Bethel Office of Economic Development and the Board of Selectmen have commissioned a new marketing plan for the town. This week, they held a kickoff meeting to identify deliverables and a timeline. Information from the World Café workshop in March and feedback from residents will be provided to the firm. The firm will also reach out to residents for further input. Stay tuned for more information at the end of August.
Car Tax Changes
There have been questions this week about changes to the car tax. Starting in October, our Tax Assessor will use vehicle MSRP, subject to depreciation, instead of JD Power to value motor vehicles. The depreciation schedule starts at 85% of the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for a car up to a year old and decreases by 5% each year until 14 years. From 15 to 19 years old, the value is 15% of MSRP. At 20 years, the minimum tax is $500. Once the value is determined, the assessed value is 70% of the value. To calculate the property tax, multiply the assessment of the vehicle by our mill rate, currently 29.17 and divide by 1,000.
Duracell Building Update
Town representatives and representatives from the CT Department of Economic and Community Development toured the Duracell building in Bethel this week. While many Duracell jobs will stay in Connecticut, the company is looking to sell or lease the building and combine their research and development functions with manufacturing. If you know someone in the market for 80,000 SF to 300,000 SF, reach out to the Bethel Office of Economic Development.
Tax Payment Deadline
From the Tax Collector: The last day to pay taxes without interest is Thursday, August 1. Interest is 1.5% per month from the due date or $2.00, whichever is greater, plus any other collection costs. Learn more at Bethel Tax Collector.
Primary Election Reminder
A reminder that the Primary Election on August 13 is only a Republican Primary for the US Senate. Only Registered Republicans can vote. New and unaffiliated voters can affiliate as Republicans through August 12 at noon. Early voting begins August 5 and ends August 11. If you want to vote by absentee ballot, visit My Vote CT for info and an online application or contact the Town Clerk.
CT Challenge Ride
Look out for bicycle riders participating in the CT Challenge Ride tomorrow, July 27. The 50-mile and 100-mile courses come through Bethel, so watch out for riders on Dittmar Rd., Chestnut Ridge Rd., Chestnut St., Maple Ave., Plumtrees Rd., and Old Hawleyville Rd. Learn more at CT Challenge.
Food Truck Friday
Summer Children's Festival
The First Congregational Church of Bethel is hosting their Summer Children's Festival on Saturday, August 3, from 11 am to 2 pm. Enjoy crafts, food, amazing storytelling, games, a fantastic balloon artist, and an ice cream truck! For more information, call 203-743-1877.
Bethel Beer Fest
The Bethel Beer Fest is back! Support the Bethel Education Foundation and join the fun on Saturday, August 3, from 3 pm to 6 pm on the lawn in front of Town Hall. VIPs are welcome at 2 pm! Enjoy CT Breweries, food trucks, and live music by The Dirt Road Pickers. No entry for those under 21. Please park behind Town Hall. For info and tickets, visit Bethel Beer Fest.
Summer Concert Series
The Town of Bethel Summer Concert Series kicks off on Sunday, August 4, with Joe Neuman & The Big Beat! Join music fans on the Town Hall lawn between 6 pm and 8 pm on Sundays in August. There are no food trucks on hand, so plan accordingly. In the event of inclement weather, call 203-794-8502 for cancellations.
Summer Reading Challenge
Kids, teens, and adults: the 2024 Summer Reading Challenge is underway at the Bethel Public Library! Don’t forget to log your reading through August 31 and earn raffle tickets for great prizes, including gift certificates to local businesses for adults! Visit Bethel Library Summer Reading.
Where’s Waldo?
A shoutout to all those who stopped by Town Hall to find Waldo! Have a great time at the party tomorrow! Don’t forget there are goodie bags for the first 50 Waldo Hunters. Celebration starts at 4 pm at Byrd’s Books. Byrd’s Books.
Honoring Korean Veterans
Thank you to all our Korean Veterans, including our own Bernie Rotunda, who will be honored at a ceremony at Rogers Park in Danbury tomorrow, July 27 at 10:00 am. Bernie has been a regular at Town Hall and was involved in our Hall of Veterans. He may even be one of the last surviving Korean Veterans in this area. Thank you for your service, Bernie.