The following is First Selectman Ken Kellogg’s latest update on the COVID-19 pandemic:
As of yesterday evening, the State Department of Public Health is now reporting the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Monroe at 66, and a total of 4 residents that have now passed away. Our hearts go out to those families.
Last night, the Town Council conducted a remote special meeting and voted unanimously to adopt a Low Interest Rate Program regarding the upcoming fiscal year tax collection.
While our Tax Collector will provide more detailed information to taxpayers in the coming months, here’s an overview of what this means:
Monroe real estate, motor vehicle, and personal property taxes that come due on July 1, 2020 will continue to have a one-month grace period for payment, at zero interest, through August 3, 2020.- Any payments not made by August 4, 2020 will be subject to only one-quarter of one percent (0.25%) interest per month instead of the usual, statutory three percent (3.00%) per month.
- The Low Interest Rate Program will continue through October 2, 2020, after which any outstanding taxes must revert to the usual statutory rate, as per the Governor’s executive order.
- While landlords are required to submit documentation that they provided rent forbearance to their tenants or lessees, other taxpayers are not required to submit any documentation to be eligible for the program.
- Tax payments that are escrowed by a financial institution or mortgage servicer are not eligible for the program unless the mortgage payments are not current or the borrower is in a forbearance or deferment program.As you have probably heard, we are awaiting further details regarding the future strategy on “re-opening” Connecticut. Yesterday we were advised that the Governor’s task force would be releasing further details in the very near future. We already know that the strategy relies on significantly more testing throughout the state, as well as more resources to return to “contact tracing” efforts, in a more robust fashion, in roughly three weeks. This will include a new, state- provided technology platform to coordinate with local health departments, as well as a significant increase in state Department of Public Health personnel to conduct contact tracing activities.Roughly two weeks ago, I started discussions with state and local officials regarding Monroe’s long-term recovery. While we must consider and address public health concerns first and foremost, we must also be prepared to position Monroe for a strong recovery for our community and local economy. As we continue to plan in this regard, I will be sharing more details in the future.
