Town/Govt

2017 Granby revaluation underway

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By Susan Altieri, CCMA, IIAssessorThe Town of Granby is in the process of beginning state mandated revaluation for October 1. State law now requires all municipalities to conduct a revaluation every five years. Revaluation is the equalization of property values by estimating the current market value of all properties in town. Its purpose is to value all property by the same standards at the same point in time.The town has hired Vision Government Solutions to assist the Assessor’s office wi […]

Town/Govt

Town Manager highlights probable cuts in budget

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By Shirley MurthaAt the March 6 Board of Selectmen meeting, Town Manager Bill Smith reiterated his concern that services will need to be cut to adhere to the Board of Finance’s directive for no increases in town operations for the upcoming fiscal year. In addition to a minimum of money expected from the state, the state is asking Granby to provide $1,514,998 to support the teachers retirement fund. This will have a serious impact on the budget. With other state revenue cuts, it would chang […]

Town/Govt

Ethics exploratory committee seeks input

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A group of citizens is seeking input from the community regarding establishing an ethics committee for the town of Granby. It has posted a survey on its website: www.granbytaxpayers.orgAn article in last month’s Drummer asked for participation, but there has been a relatively small response. The majority, 69 percent of respondents, answered “yes.” Comments included, “thank you for this” and “pleased if there were a forum to pose inquiries on legitimate topics […]

Town/Govt

LAFD: It’s brush fire season!

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By Tim RickisDid you know that Forest/Wildfire season is upon us? Lost Acres Fire Department wants to keep you safe during brush fire season. Because leaves and grass have not greened yet, there is an abundance of dried-out and exposed materials that are ideal for wildfires. It’s also when residents begin yard cleanup, cookouts and campfires, all of which can easily ignite the dried leaves, twigs and grass.Granby requires a permit from the Open Burning Official for open burning, and there […]

Town/Govt

Poll workers’ discussion held

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The Registrars of Voters hosts monthly poll workers meeting to discuss upcoming legislative initiatives that might impact future elections. In attendance at a recent meeting were: front row (from l.):Paul Willis, Marcia Massey, Laura Wolfe and Joanne Mayornick; back: Patty Sansone, Diane Hernsdorf, Arnie Kittlesen, Jill Ford, Dave Amidon, Bob King, Michael Mayornick and Kay Woodford. Submitted photo Registrars Laura Wolfe and Paul Willis highlight possible legislation that might come […]

Town/Govt

Dates set for budget hearing and referendum

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Public Hearing is April 10; Referendum is April 24The annual Budget Public Hearing will be held on Monday, April 10 at 7 p.m. in the GMHS auditorium. Granby residents will vote on the Town Budget at the Budget Referendum on Monday, April 24, from noon to 8 p.m. at the Town Hall Meeting Room. Residents must bring a valid form of identification (photo ID preferred) to vote. If you are not registered to vote, but own property in Granby and are otherwise eligible to vote, you may receive a ball […]

Town/Govt

41 PERCENT OF CONNECTICUT TOWNS HAVE ETHICS COMMISSIONS

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With the June retirement of veteran Town Manager Bill Smith, and in anticipation of the search for a new administrator, an exploratory committee of residents is proposing that Granby re-evaluate the opportunity to form a Granby Ethics Commission (GEC). It would address citizens’ concerns using the recommended structure outlined in the Connecticut General Statutes established by the state Ethics Commission. The neighboring towns of Suffield, Simsbury, Farmington, West Hartford and a number […]

Town/Govt

P&Z APPROVES ZONING CHANGE 

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The application seeking a change of zone for a portion of properties located at 91 and 85R Salmon Brook Street was approved at the February 14 meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Voting in favor of the change from Residential 30 (R30) to Planned Development Multifamily (PDM) were Paula Johnson, Jonathan Boardman, Christine Chinni, Charles Kraiza, Mark Lockwood and James Sansone. Margaret Chapple opposed.The commission noted that the approval of the zone change is in compliance with th […]

Town/Govt

SOLAR HEAT

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By Shirley MurthaAt the February 6 Board of Selectmen meeting, Kent McCord and Barry Avery presented information on the Solarize CT Campaign, intended to encourage state residents to aid in energy conservation through the use of solar power. Along with David Desiderata, McCord and Avery are members of a subcommittee of the Conservation Commission assigned to do due diligence regarding this program. Attempts to interest residents in solar in the past have not resulted in much participation, but i […]

Town/Govt

CHALLENGES EXIST AS BUDGET PROCESS BEGINS

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By Shirley MurthaThe annual Three Board Meeting took place on January 23, 2017, following a review by Blum Shapiro CPA Nikoleta McTigue of the three annual Town of Granby financial reports: the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the State Single Audit Report, and the Federal Single Audit Report. Each covers the fiscal year from July 1 to June 30. McTigue noted that all was in order and that the town, as always, was cooperative and helpful in allowing her access to the necessary materials.Fir […]