Good Evening,
This is First Selectman Vicki Tesoro with an important update.
As of yesterday we had 328 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Trumbull. 49 of our Trumbull residents have passed away. As I said on Saturday, like some other communities the majority of our deaths have occurred in facilities caring for our most vulnerable population.
Please keep all of these families in your thoughts and prayers.
Let me give you some good news. Governor Lamont stated last Saturday that Fairfield County hospitalizations have declined by 13 percent in the last week, and statewide, hospitalizations are down by 3.5 percent week-over-week. This data prompted Governor Lamont to say, that the peak of the pandemic has passed in Connecticut.
Later this week we will be announcing our plans to reopen Twin Brooks Park, Old Mine Park and Tashua Knolls Golf Course.
We continue, however, to emphasize the importance of following social distancing guidelines and all other restrictions.
Last Wednesday, April 22nd the Board of Finance voted to reduce the tax increase to zero for this coming fiscal year. This was achieved by a further reduction of Town and Board of Education operating expenses and utilizing monies from our general fund.
This crisis is an unprecedented emergency, which calls for unprecedented measures to support all our residents and businesses. This zero tax increase was accomplished while prioritizing critical town services including public safety and education. The budget process now moves to the Town Council.
Also last week the Town Council passed a municipal tax deferment program for all our taxpayers.
For businesses, Governor Lamont has partnered with the Connecticut Business and Industry Association to offer free Personal Protective Equipment for small, essential businesses with fewer than 50 employees. Businesses must register to be considered.
Also, Congress approved additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program and the Emergency Disaster Loan Program. We anticipate funding will once again not meet the full demand so we urge you to pursue these funds through your bank and SBA immediately. More information can be found on our COVID-19 Business Recovery Resource page or contact Rina Bakalar, Director of Economic and Community development at 203-610-3899 or rbakalar@trumbull-ct.gov.
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 Food Pantry page on the Town website or call 203-452-5136 for more information on how you can donate.
Please stay safe, stay well, and stay home.
Thanks for listening.