04/15/2020 COVID-19 Update
Good Afternoon,
This is First Selectman Vicki Tesoro with an important COVID-19 update.
As of today we have 156 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Trumbull. 13 of our Trumbull residents have died from the virus. Connecticut now has 14,755 cases with 868 deaths. Please keep all of these families in your thoughts.
Now more than ever I can’t emphasize enough the importance that all our residents, adults and children, respect the restrictions and closures in our community and practice strict social distancing if you have to leave your home to purchase food and other essential items. Please wear a face covering and gloves in public if you have them.
On April 1, the Governor released an order focusing on Municipal Tax Relief. The order requires that each community adopt one or both relief programs that offer tax relief to local residents. Our town attorneys have reviewed the guidance and the available options. The Town Council will hold a Special Meeting on Tuesday, April 21 at 7 PM to adopt one or both of these tax relief programs.
One option put forward by the Governor would allow the tax relief for only COVID-19 effected residents. However, many of our homeowners and businesses are struggling now due to this crisis. Therefore, it is my recommendation that the Town Council approve the tax deferment program that gives all of our taxpayers, residents and businesses, the ability to defer their local property taxes.
If this plan is approved by the Town Council, real estate taxes that became due on April 1 will not be considered late if paid by July 1. Also real estate, motor vehicle, personal property, and sewer taxes that are due on July 1 will not be considered late if they are paid by October 1. There are provisions for landlords in this order. More information will be available after the Town Council votes on Tuesday, April 21.
Just six weeks ago on March 2nd I submitted my Town Budget to the Board of Finance. Unfortunately, all of our lives have changed dramatically in every way since then. Our Town budget has also been impacted by this crisis. The Town is now facing a significant revenue shortfall in the 2020-21 budget and other major issues. We are reviewing all possible options to minimize the impact to our community. More information will be available soon.
Stop and Shop Pharmacy is reminding our residents that if they are sick please do not go into the pharmacy to pick up medicine. Instead please call your pharmacy for delivery. All pharmacies are delivering at this point.
If you or anyone you know is struggling to purchase food or can’t get to the store please contact Social Services at 203-452-5136, for this and other services and assistance.
Donations of food and monetary contributions are needed at the Food Pantry. Please visit the Town website or call 203-452-5136 for more information on how you can donate.
We are planning another virtual Town Hall meeting next week. We will announce the date and time soon.
To make sure you are receiving all Town communications please sign up for the Trumbull Alert Systems on the Town website.
Please stay well, stay safe and stay home.
Thank you for listening.