A Citizens Guide to the Windsor Town Budget was recently published by the Town of Windsor and is available at town facilities and at each of Windsor’s schools. In its second year of publication, the guide provides basic information about the town’s budget process and how you can become involved. The guide is also available on the town’s website at www.townofwindsorct.com.   

A community forum on the budget will be held on April 13, 2006 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM in the Town Hall Council Chambers. The forum is an opportunity for residents to learn more about the town’s proposed budget and ask questions in an informal setting.

I will also be visiting the Senior Center on April 12th from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM to provide an overview of the proposed budget and answer questions.

For more information on any of these topics, call 285-1835.

Northwest Park Pancake Breakfast

Join the volunteers of the Friends of Northwest Park on Saturday March 25th from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the annual Northwest Park Pancake Breakfast. A full breakfast of pancakes and sausage smothered in 100% pure maple syrup made right at the park will be available. Tickets are $5.00 for adults and $4.00 for children. Call 285-1886 to make a reservation.

Student Artwork at Town Hall

March is “Student Art Month” and displays of artwork from Windsor Public School students of all ages are currently displayed throughout the building. This Wednesday, March 8th a reception will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM for the public to view the art. The displays will remain at Town Hall through the month of March. For more information, call 285-1835.

Elderly Tax Relief
As you might recall at the last meeting I reported on the various tax relief programs currently available for the elderly, disabled and veterans.

Tonight I would like to inform the Town Council of my intention to create a study committee to examine the possible expansion of existing property tax relief program for seniors in town.  Currently, elderly households may receive tax relief through a state offered program if they meet certain income guidelines.   State law allows cities and towns to expand upon the existing program.

The first step is to establish a study committee which must examine the fiscal impact and complete a recommendation within 60 days of being created.  The Town Council then can decide on weather to adopt a local tax relief program or not.

It is my hope to create a committee so that they can make a recommendation in mid April in time for the Council to consider options prior to adopting the Fiscal Year 2007 Operating Budget. 

Residents or property owners wishing to be considered for possible appointment to the study committee are asked to send a letter of interested to the Town Manager’s Office, 275 Broad Street by the end of the business day on March 10, 2006.