First Selectman Vicki Tesoro Sitting at Desk

A Message from First Selectman Vicki A. Tesoro

Please be sure to stay current with services and programs the town provides to help you navigate and enjoy the winter months. Please visit the town website and Facebook pages including the Trumbull Library, Trumbull Parks & Recreation Department, Trumbull Senior Center, Trumbull Health Department, and more for important information and updates. https://www.trumbull-ct.gov/

The Town’s 2025-2026 budget process is underway. Updates and notices of town meetings will be posted on the Town Website and Facebook page. The following is a summary of the budget process:

Town Budget Process

The Board of Education (BOE) meets in January to review and discuss the Superintendent’s budget request. The BOE votes on their budget in February.
Next, Town Department Heads (including BOE) submit and discuss their budget requests with the First Selectman and the Director of Finance. First Selectman prepares the proposed Town budget.
By Town Charter, the First Selectman must submit the proposed budget to the Board of Finance (BOF) no later than the first Monday of March. This year that date is March 3, 2025.
The BOF holds budget hearings with the Town Department Heads (including the BOE) during March.
The BOF holds two public hearings on the budget, one on a weeknight and another on a Saturday morning. The budget is published in the local newspaper. The tentative dates for these hearings are: Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
By Town Charter, the BOF no later than the second Monday in April must submit its recommended budget to the Town Council. This year that date is April 14, 2025.
Next, the Town Council Finance Committee holds budget hearings with the Town Department Heads (including the BOE). They will vote to make recommendations to the full Town Council.
The Town Council will hold a public hearing and the budget is published in the local newspaper.
By Town Charter, the Town Council adopts the budget no later than the second Monday in May. This year that date is May 12, 2025. The Town Council can decrease any line item by a majority vote but can only increase up to the First Selectman’s recommended budget by 2/3 votes of the entire membership (21 members so 2/3 is 14).
The BOF will set the mill rate, based on the Town Council’s adopted budget no later than the second Monday in June. This year that date is June 9, 2025.

On February 4, 2025, the BOE voted to approve the Superintendent’s recommended budget request of $131,859,769 representing a 5.89% increase for FY 2025-2026.

I am currently meeting with every Town Department Head including the School Superintendent to discuss their budget requests. My proposed budget will be presented to the Town and the BOF on Monday, March 3^rd.

On February 5, 2025, Governor Ned Lamont released his recommended biennial state budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. In addition to adjusting appropriations to fund K-12 public education, the proposed budget contains several policy changes that impact students and districts throughout the state. For more information use this link, where you will find an analysis that details these changes to state education funding in the governor’s proposed budget and provides a brief overview of the general fiscal outlook of the state budget and economy.

Also please use the following link to review School Superintendent, Dr. Semmel’s latest newsletter, which includes information on the Board of Education’s budget request for FY 2025-2026. https://secure.smore.com/n/kw15g Also, you will find information on the additional budget amount requested by the Superintendent and approved by the BOE on February 4, 2025 at this link.

I continue to work with our state officials advocating for more education dollars for Trumbull. I am asking members of our community, as has Dr. Semmel, to contact our state elected officials to also advocate for this funding, which includes additional funding for special education and Education Cost Sharing dollars (ECS).

A simple email as follows can be sent to the below listed individuals at their email addresses: "I am a resident of the Town of Trumbull. Please provide additional funding for special education and Education Cost Sharing dollars (ECS). Thank you for your time and consideration."

Governor Ned Lamont, 1-800-406-1527, 860-566-4840, Governor.Lamont@po.state.ct.us

Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, 860-524-7384, ltgovernor.Bysiewicz@ct.gov

State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox (22^nd district), 860-240-0425, Sujata.gadkar-wilcox@cga.ct.gov, gadkarwilcox@senatedems.ct.gov

State Representative David Rutigliano (123^rd district), 860-240-8700, David.Rutigliano@housegop.ct.gov

State Representative Sarah Keitt (134^th district), 860-240-8585, Sarah.Keitt@cga.ct.gov

State Representative Ben McGorty (122^nd district), 860-240-8757, Ben.McGorty@housegop.ct.gov

State Representative Tony Scott (112^th district), 800-842-1423, 860-240-8700, Tony.Scott@housegop.ct.gov

On Saturday, February 22 at 10 AM in the Town Hall Council Chambers I will be holding a public hearing to discuss the budget process. The public is invited to attend.

Town News

Senior/Disabled Homeowners Tax Relief Application Period: February 1, 2025 to May 15, 2025

Filing period begins February 1st and ends May 15th, 2025. To receive a benefit from the town, the maximum income guideline is $70,000 for single/ married couple. To receive an additional benefit from the state, income guidelines are a maximum gross income of $45,200 for a single person and $55,100 for a married couple. Please contact the Tax Assessor’s office at 203-452-5018 for general information or Social Services at (203) 452- 5133 to schedule an appointment at the senior center or for a home visit. For more information click here: More Information (PDF)

VFW Essay Winners Recognized

The Town Council and First Selectman Vicki Tesoro recognized this year's VFW Post 10059 essay award winners at the January Town Council meeting. The VFW Patriot Pen Award was given to Hillcrest Middle School student Brandon Russo and Madison Middle School student Sara Sulaiman for their essays on the subject of "My Voice in America's Democracy." The winner of the VFW Voice of Democracy Award was Zuri Njoroge for her essay on the subject of "Is America Today our Forefathers' Vision?" Congratulations to these inspiring students!

Traci Sacco Local VFW Elementary School Teacher of the Year

Tracey Cranston Local VFW Middle School Teacher of the Year

Dan Geraghty Local VFW High School Teacher of the Year

Local VFW Teachers of the Year Recognized

The Town Council and First Selectman Vicki Tesoro recognized this year's VFW Post 10059 Teachers of the Year at the January Town Council meeting. Honorees are Elementary School Teacher of the Year Traci Sacco, Middle School Teacher of the Year Tracey Cranston, and High School Teacher of the Year Dan Geraghty. Congratulations to these teachers, whose hard work promotes patriotism in their students!

Reminder: Safety on Ice

Winter is upon us and with that, the Town of Trumbull would like to remind you about safety on ice. First and foremost, always implement a buddy system, never go out alone! Newly formed ice of the proper thickness is always stronger than older ice that has refrozen. Do not skate where you see water. Stay away from any cracks and melting ice. Also clear debris off, such as sticks and rocks. It takes 5” of ice for a small group to safely spread out and ice skate. Transparent blue/black lake ice is safest. You should stay off white and/or grey ice. We trust that residents will always use caution when playing on/around frozen lakes.

Teen Advisory Group Making Valentine Decorations

Teen Advisory Group Decorates for Valentine's Day

On Wednesday, January 29, members of the Trumbull Health Department Teen Advisory Group (TAG) decorated the lunchroom at the senior center with hearts and Valentine decorations. They also made Valentine’s Day cards for the seniors. These acts of kindness are greatly appreciated by so many in our community. Thank you TAG members!

Under Construction

Traffic Light at Whitney Avenue and Main Street

The traffic light at Whitney Avenue and Main Street was activated in late January! We are so excited that this long-awaited safety improvement is complete!

Spring Hill Roadway Improvements at the Trumbull Transfer Station

The Spring Hill Road Project focuses on roadway improvements along Spring Hill Road at the Trumbull Transfer station to correct traffic congestion and safety concerns during the Saturday morning peak period.

The project includes installation of two right turn lanes for the Transfer Station on the north side of Spring Hill Road (west bound) and widening on the south side of Spring Hill Road (east bound) to provide a left turn lane to the facility and a dedicated east bound through lane. The installation of a storm drainage culvert is also required for the west bound turning lanes.

In addition to the Roadway Geometric Improvements, this project also includes improvements to Bicycle/Pedestrian use of the multi-use Pequonnock River Trail facilities by constructing a dedicated trail adjacent to the Bus Depot driveway, crosswalk enhancement and sidewalk along the south side of Spring Hill Road.

In order to accommodate the turning lane improvements, land clearing/filling at the Transfer Station is necessary. Work has been started and will continue to early fall 2025.

School News

Kindergarten Registration is Now Open for the 2025-2026 School Year

In the Spring of 2023 the Connecticut Legislature passed a new law regarding the age of kindergarteners. They passed Public Act 23-208, which amended Section 10-15c of the Connecticut General Statutes requiring that all public schools be open to all children five years of age and over who reach age five on or before the first day of September of any school year.

The new law does allow parents/guardians of children who will not turn 5 until after September 1, but before January 1, the right to submit a request to the district requesting that their child be allowed to attend kindergarten in the fall.

For any Trumbull resident interested in registering for kindergarten in the fall of 2025, please go to the new student registration page to learn more and/or begin the process.

We the People are State Champions!

Congratulations to Trumbull High School's We the People team! They were crowned the Connecticut State Champions and will now represent Connecticut at the National Finals in April! Great job to Social Studies teacher Ms. Katie Boland and the entire team. We are so proud of you!

Crosstown Showdown

Boys and Girls basketball teams from Hillcrest and Madison Middle Schools met recently for a "Crosstown Showdown." Congratulations to both teams from Hillcrest for coming away with wins!

First Responder News

New Trumbull Police Officer

Trumbull Police welcomed a new officer to their ranks on January 6, 2025. Derek Cohen was sworn in by First Selectman Vicki Tesoro and began his field training immediately. Cohen, a Trumbull resident, had previously served as a New Haven police officer for almost 18 years, and brings an extensive background of knowledge and experience to the department. Welcome to the Trumbull Police Department!

Police Captain Graduated from Command Officers Development Course

Captain Donald Allen recently graduated from the Command Officers Development Course (CODC) presented by the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville. The CODC is a ten-week flagship educational program for upper-level police managers which provides the foundation for practical law enforcement administration and a comprehensive overview of management practices.

Capt. Allen has been a member of the Trumbull Police Department since 2001 and is currently in charge of Administrative Services, which includes Professional Standards, Criminal Investigations, and Training.

Economic & Community Development News

Antonio's Italian Kitchen and Bar Ribbon Cutting

Photo by Roger Salls Photography

Antonio's Italian Kitchen and Bar is Open!

The Trumbull Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on January 30 at Antonio's Italian Kitchen and Bar, which has opened on White Plains Road in the former Parker location. Please join us in welcoming them to Trumbull!

Trumbull Mall Area Market Feasibility and Land Use Study - Public Meeting March 26

The Trumbull Mall Area Market Feasibility and Land Use Study will be issued in March. The study provides critical information in order to understand the potential of the area. The transformation of the mall area to a vibrant district where people can live, work, play and shop can be realized over time. The opportunity to add 1.1 million square feet of infill development can result in new tax revenue, jobs and amenities.

A community meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 26 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers. We hope you will join us to learn more.

Buildings Demolished

In recent weeks the former florist building located on Main Street at Stonehouse Road was demolished. While the building in its entirety was not salvageable due to its condition, several elements within the building are being preserved in collaboration with the Historical Society and the Demolition Delay Committee. Those elements include bookshelves and wood rafters that are historically significant.

Similarly, two buildings have been demolished in Trumbull Center: the building along White Plains Road formerly housing Starbucks among other businesses, and the freestanding medical building at the rear of the property. These demolitions help to pave the way for upcoming development in Trumbull Center.

Moratorium on Multi-Family Rental Apartments Extended

On Wednesday, January 16, 2025, Trumbull's Planning & Zoning Commission voted 4-1 to extend the moratorium on multi-family rental apartment developments larger than 50 units in the Town of Trumbull. The moratorium is intended to halt any future multi-family rental developments for an additional one-year period. The moratorium does not apply to age-restricted housing for 55 years of age and older. This additional extension gives the town the opportunity to continue to study the impact of the policy changes and approvals on the town dating back to 2017.

Originally put into place in 2019, the moratorium allows the Planning & Zoning Commission, in conjunction with the town, to study the effects of the apartments on the schools and services in the Town of Trumbull. The moratorium has been extended each year to allow the apartments to become occupied and to give time for the impact of these developments to be measured. Please note, the moratorium does not apply to the development of housing that is solely limited to age-restricted housing, 55 and over.

Webinar: Tax Planning for Small Businesses, March 12

A free webinar sponsored by the Town of Trumbull and SCORE will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. As a small business owner, you need to be fully aware of your tax obligations and liabilities throughout the year. There can be potential impacts to your month-to-month cash flow, as well as legal exposures. This session will provide an overview on how to be effective in your tax planning and the considerations you need to be aware of based on being a home-based business or a brick and mortar business, as well as the type of business structure you may have.

This webinar will cover:

Federal and State tax obligations
Different kinds of taxes that impact businesses beyond income taxes (e.g., sales and use taxes or property taxes)
Business entities and their tax implications (sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, S corporations, C corporations)
The importance of record keeping and having sound accounting practices
Common tax deductions and credits for businesses
Estimated taxes and self-employment taxes
Personal property taxes (in regards to lease terms)
Tax planning strategies

Prior to the Webinar:

Those who are interested in attending this workshop can register with the Town of Trumbull Economic & Community Development Office by emailing econdev@trumbull-ct.gov .

A Zoom Videoconference link will be provided to those who register. A public link for accessing the meeting will be available on the Town calendar at www.trumbull-ct.gov.

The Presenter is Joseph R. D'Agostin, who has over 40 years’ experience in accounting and taxes while working in public accounting, small business and the IRS, where he retired in 2008 as a Revenue Agent. He also has been an adjunct at Fairfield University since 1972 and Manhattanville College since 2008.

Senior Center/Human Services News

AARP Tax-Aide Free Income Tax Help

AARP is offering free Tax Return Preparation by AARP/IRS Certified Tax Volunteers and E-File

WHERE: Trumbull Main Library 33 Quality Street, Trumbull

HOURS: By Appointment Only From 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Each Wednesday from February 5th until April 9th, 2025 and each Friday from February 7th until April 11th, 2025.

APPOINTMENTS: Please call the Trumbull Library at (203) 452-5197 to schedule your appointment.

WHAT TO BRING: • Photo ID or other type of identification • Social Security Card and Statement (SSA 1099) • A copy of your 2023 tax return and/ or prior year AARP Envelope • All tax forms received for tax year 2024 (W-2, 1095, 1099) • End of year Investment statements (INT, DIV, Stocks, Bonds) • List of Itemized Deductions (Medical, Donations, Taxes) • Any other tax documents you might have • IRS PIN if issued, Cancelled Check for Direct Deposit. You must make an appointment by calling the Trumbull Library at (203) 452-5197. (No tax sessions if the Trumbull Schools are closed due to weather.)

Joe McDonald, Jennifer Gillis, Ronnie Mogensen and Zoli Szabo

Check Presented from Santa's Runway to Trumbull Social Services

The holiday spirit shined brightly on Sterling Road as Santa’s Runway now a Trumbull tradition, raised over $6,000 to support Trumbull Social Services. The magical display of holiday lights and community generosity continues to make a meaningful impact for Trumbull residents. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the residents of Sterling Road, as well as the sponsors and supporters who make this tradition possible. Their efforts make a real difference in the lives of others.

For more information or to contribute, please contact Trumbull Social Services at 203-452-5198.

Library News

Chocolate Making Workshops Held at Trumbull Library

Two sessions of the “Make Your Own Assorted Chocolates” workshop were held recently at the Trumbull Library on Quality Street. These look delicious!

Youth Services Department Display

The Trumbull Library's Youth Services Department has a monthly display asking for responses to questions. In December, the question was, "What was your favorite book?" In January, it was, "What is your favorite snowy activity?" To participate, just visit the Trumbull Library on Quality Street!

What is your favorite snowy activity display

New Drop-in Programs for Little Ones

Toddler Time: Music & Movement | Mondays & Tuesdays, 10AM Walking-3. Join Miss Kristine for this interactive music and movement class for toddlers and their caregivers. Sing, dance, play, and read together.

Baby Time | Wednesdays, 11AM Ages birth-walking. Designed for pre-walking babies on your lap. Get ready to sing, clap, play, and read together.

Preschool Time | Mondays, 2PM & Thursdays, 10AM Ages 3-5. Preschool-aged kids will learn some early literacy skills while having fun, listening to a story, and doing a craft.

Drop-In Story Time | Thursdays, 4PM All Ages. Listen to Miss Kristine read a few picture books.

Miss Claudia Sings a Story | First 3 Fridays of the Month, 10AMAges 2-5.

Baba Kazi Oliver on February 22

Join us on Saturday, February 22nd at 2PM to celebrate Black History Month with Baba Kazi Oliver: African Drummer Extraordinaire!
All ages welcome. Registration is requested.
To register, follow the link https://trumbull.libcal.com/event/13486893

Virtual Reality Workshop on March 2

Get ready for a journey like no other. Join Xperiment Virtual Reality on Sunday, March 2 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Community Room as they bring you 360 virtual reality content. Xperiment VR uses the latest computing technology that supports room-scale Virtual Reality experiences. Room-Scale gives the player freedom to walk around, dodge, and duck in a virtual world. You will be able to see, hear, and sense the virtual world you are in thus providing you with a new way not only to experience gaming but also a new way to learn. Stop by to see what it can do. Ride a roller coaster, explore the world!

Please note this experience is for ages 7 and up. Registration is recommended. For full information and to register, please follow: https://trumbull.libcal.com/event/13527633

Sustainable Trumbull

2024 Wrap-Up from Sustainable Trumbull

2024 was a year of growth for recycling non-traditional items in Trumbull. While many items are recycled curbside, Sustainable Trumbull supports the town in implementing programs to recycle items typically aimed for the trash, from textiles to all the small items collected by Sustainable Trumbull at our monthly recycling drive and satellite locations at the Trumbull Library and Trumbull Health Department.

By partnering with Terracycle, we are able to collect and recycle many small items including oral care products, beauty and cosmetic packaging, eyewear, food packaging, and more. In 2024, we collected 264 pounds of items, a 38% increase over last year. In fact, we have seen steady year over year growth since inception in 2020.

Baystate Textiles has allowed us to collect a large variety of clothing, bedding, bags, plush items, and more, whether it is wearable or not. In 2024 we collected nearly 20,000 pounds of textiles, a 25% increase of 2023 for a revenue of nearly $1,200.

Planet Green allows us to recycle ink cartridges, nearly 450 cartridges last year earnings the town over $200. This is 300% increase from 2023.

Keep up the good work in setting aside these household items to be recycled. For a full list of accepted items with Baystate and our drop off recycling programs, please visit the town website at https://www.trumbull-ct.gov/903/Reduce-Reuse-Recycle Any questions, email sustainabletrumbull@gmail.com

Upcoming Events

Swim Lesson and Summer Camp Registration Begins in Early March

Mark your calendars! Registration for Trumbull Parks and Recreation’s various camps and swim lessons will open on/around Monday March 3.

Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt

The Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt is back! Please join us for this fun community event. Children should bring their own baskets to hunt for prize-filled eggs. The Easter Bunny will make an appearance. Donations will be collected for the Trumbull Food Pantry so please consider bringing a non-perishable item to help our neighbors in need.

Event Details

Trumbull residents only.

Location: Indian Ledge Park, Turf Field & Amphitheatre Field

Date: Sunday, April 19, 2025 11:00 AM

Registration

This free-of-charge event is for children 9 years old and under. Registration is required and will open on March 3, 2025.

Registration link: www.trumbull-ct.gov/recreationprograms

Blood Drive on March 7, 2025

A blood drive sponsored by the Trumbull Health Department will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Smile-A-While Auditorium at the Trumbull Senior Center, 23 Priscilla Place, Trumbull. For an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Use Sponsor Code trumbullhealth.

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News from the First Selectman - December 2024-January 2025