www.towntimes.com
Volume 26, Number 7
Friday, May 15, 2020
Finance board announces reduced mill rate
MEMORIAL DAY 2020
munity” because of consistent rates in tax collection – over 98 percent; a The Durham Board of Fiminimal decrease in popnance presented its proulation compared to other posed town budget to resi- state municipalities and a dents over Zoom on Mon- commitment by the town day and shared two pieces to improve infrastructure of good news: a reduced through funding of capital mill rate and a reduction projects. of $253,928 in total exAt the end of the meeting, penses. Donahue took time to According to Board of Firead questions submitted nance Chairman Robert to the board. Donahue III, Durham can See Mill rate, A15 be labeled “a stable comBy Everett Bishop Town Times
Parades canceled but plans for recognition march on By Everett Bishop Town Times
Memorial Day parades have fallen victim to the COVID19 pandemic. Communities across the state have announced parade cancellations. However, officials remain committed to providing recognition for those who died in military services. Bob Francis, Durham’s Memorial Day Parade chairman and commander of American Legion Post 184, said “it is possible that a
small, limited participation ceremony will take place” in Durham depending on the state’s progress managing the virus. Francis said any update would be announced this week. Middlefield, which typically joins in Durham’s parade, is planning its traditional Memorial Day ceremony on the town green, according to First Selectman Edward Bailey. “We usually have a pretty small group show up,” he
said. “And the event is outside so people will be able to practice safe social distancing.” The Veterans Commission of Berlin also voted to cancel the town’s Memorial Day parade for safety of reasons. However, commission chairman Charles Colaresi remains hopeful the town will be able to hold a ceremony on Memorial Day. Berlin Town Manager Arosha Jayawickrema said the commission is contemSee Parades, A16
Deferred, low interest tax programs OK’d By Everett Bishop Town Times
Durham and Middlefield leaders voted to adopt both the deferred and lowered interest rate tax programs introduced in an executive order by Governor Ned Lamont. The order states that “each municipality … shall participate in one or both programs.”
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Both municipal boards voted unanimously to adopt the programs. The tax deferment program allows eligible taxpayers to defer taxes on real estate or personal property for 90 days. This means that the deadline to pay property taxes would change from Aug. 3, 2020 to Oct. 1, 2020. See Tax, A16
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Durham First Selectman Laura Francis assists former Army Staff Sgt. Charlie Arrigoni, 91, at a wreath laying ceremony during Durham’s 2018 Memorial Day service. File photo
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