January 06, 2011
Fuel Bank
As we enter the heart of winter, please be mindful of those that are struggling with this economy and have trouble affording to heat their home. Our Youth and Social Services department works with people to help get them on an energy assistance program run by another organization that will help pay for their energy costs if they meet certain eligibility criteria.
Sometimes though, there is not enough time to get the paperwork completed and a family needs oil immediately to bridge the gap. This is where the Colchester Fuel Bank helps out. The fuel bank is an account where all of the money has been donated. We utilize the funds as a short term solution to buy oil for families until they get on an assistance program.
The fuel bank is 100% dependant on donations and no taxpayer money is used in the program. We regularly receive donations from individuals, companies, and organizations. Our most recent donation came from the Good Time Motoring Club and will go a long way to ensuring Colchester residents will stay warm this winter. As the program is completely dependent on donations, please consider helping it out if you are able. The money goes to help families in need right here in Colchester.
Budget Questionnaire and Forum
The boards are now beginning the process of building of the 2011-2012 budget and your feedback is crucial in helping to shape that budget. The boards will be providing multiple opportunities for you to contribute.
First, always feel free to submit your thoughts through our website. Your feedback will be collected and used to help guide the boards throughout the process. Additionally, the town will soon be releasing a budget questionnaire. This questionnaire can be completed online or on paper. For the latest information on the budget, you can always go to the budget information page on the town website.
Along with the questionnaire and website, we will be having at least one budget forum. The first one is scheduled for the evening of Monday, January 31st. More information will be issued shortly, but we hope you’ll mark that date off in your calendar now and plan on participating in this event.
Finally, there will be multiple public meetings and workshops on the budget. The public is encouraged to attend these meetings and offer feedback as much as possible. The town staff and the volunteers that serve on these boards put countless hours into these budgets and we are eager to hear your thoughts and ideas.
- Gregg Schuster
First Selectman
Previous Selectman Notes can be viewed at
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