The following is the latest update from First Selectman Ken Kellogg:
MONROE, CT — The State Department of Public Health is currently reporting the total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Monroe at 103.
As you know, this week marked the Governor’s Phase 1 of the Re-Open Connecticut Plan. Several Monroe restaurants received expedited approval for outdoor dining, and many of our retailers and other businesses have re-opened. Remember that these businesses have specific state rules to follow. Please do your part, and follow the rules that they must tell their customers.
This week the governor also released Phases 2 and 3 of the plan, which could begin as early as June 20th, provided that the state continues to meet specific criteria, such as declining transmission of the virus, adequate heathcare capacity, and expanded testing and contact tracing.
Phase 2 includes business sectors such as gyms and fitness centers, movie theaters, indoor dining at restaurants and outdoor entertainment with up to 50 people.
While this is encouraging news, I must again remind everyone that we are still under current state restrictions regarding the social gathering limit of five, maintaining six feet social distancing whenever possible, and wearing a mask when in public except, of 
course, when eating outside at one of our restaurants.
This week, our Board of Finance also finalized their Proposed Annual Budget, which reduces expenditures by another $1.5 million and assigns a significant portion of our fund balance to avoid increasing the tax rate. The current projection is for a slight reduction of the mill rate, to 35.48.
The board must now vote to adopt the budget and finalize the mill rate during the first week of June.
More details are available on the town’s website, including our tax calculator that allows you to estimate next year’s taxes based upon the new projected mill rate and your new property assessment based upon the state-mandated revaluation.
As we start the holiday weekend, please remember to keep safety in mind. While we cannot celebrate as a community in our traditional fashion, we can all take time to remember and honor our military veterans that have given the ultimate sacrifice.
Best wishes for a safe and healthy Memorial Day.
