This week we had a few late nights, with a Monday Board of Selectmen meeting and a Board of Finance meeting on Tuesday. Both boards will be busy in the upcoming months as we make decisions regarding the budget for FY 25/26. Anita Mancini, Finance Director, and I have been meeting with Department Managers to discuss the initial draft of their budgets. Beginning on December 30^th, the Board of Selectmen will meet with departments, boards, commissions and committees before sending our budget to the Board of Finance for their review in February and March. The public is invited to attend those meetings.

Yesterday afternoon Ed Adanti, Public Works Director, and I met with the Gwenmor Marine Contracting crew at Hawk’s Nest Beach to review work on the sluiceway. At this time, they have driven the pilings into the area and will now begin building the structural walls. The crew hopes to complete the project and have the beach back in order in January. The crew showed us some of the relics from past crib walls that they dug out of the sand. They believe some of these wood pieces date back to the 1940’s.

Suzanne Thompson, Tax Collector, has made updates to her department’s webpage. January is another Tax Month, as the 2^nd installment Grand List Year 2023 Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes and the GL2023 Motor Vehicle Supplemental Tax bills become due. Suzanne has also posted our new online payment fees, which go into effect on January 1^st.

We have had some new hires in town in the past two weeks. Fred Verillo will be helping out in the Tax Collector’s office during the tax season. We also hired Mario Gagliardi as our new Public Works Maintainer. Mario comes to us from the Town of Marlbourough. He recently moved to the shoreline and was happy to find a position in Old Lyme. We welcome both Fred and Mario as our newest Town employees.

This week we are saying goodbye to Jessica Glanz in the Town Clerk’s office. Jessica began working at the Town Hall as a greeter during the COVID-19 pandemic. She currently has been working on a project funded by a state grant under the direction of Vicki Urbowicz, Town Clerk. Jessica wants to devote more time to her family, but will be back now and then to fill in when the Town Clerk’s office needs an extra hand. We will miss her!

Please note that Town Hall will be closing at 1PM on Tuesday, December 24^th. All of our holiday closings and details on trash and recycling collection can be found here.

The weekend weather may bring some chilly temperatures. I heard there is even a chance for some snowflakes to be drifting our way. Anyone in need of shelter is urged to call 2-1-1 or view the list of locations at 211ct.org.

The Town of Old Lyme employees and I want to wish you all a happy holiday. May you find joy and peace in your hearts during the holiday season.