MONROE, CT — First Selectman Ken Kellogg issued an update on the upcoming wind and rain storm, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a low interest tax program for the Jan. 1 tax bills.
A high wind warning is in place, with heavy winds expected at 10 a.m. on Christmas morning. Rain and high wind is expected tonight with peak winds during the overnight hours and potential gusts of over 50 mph, Kellogg said.
“While it appears that the strongest winds will be on the coast, Eversource has advised to anticipate power outages that could total up to 30 percent statewide,” he said.
Though the COVID-19 pandemic is still hitting Connecticut hard, Kellogg said it appears infection rates stabilized in Monroe and the state this past week. Monroe’s case rate for the previous two-week period dropped from an average of eight, to just under seven, new cases per day.
“Our two-week case rate is now 35.6 cases per 100,000 population,” Kellogg said. “As of today, Monroe has a total of 647 cases — confirmed and probable since the beginning of the pandemic.”
As vaccination efforts continue to focus on healthcare personnel, including medical first responders, the state has yet to set firm dates for vaccine availability for the general public, Kellogg said, adding the town is in frequent communication with state officials and continues to plan for efforts here and in the region once vaccine supplies increase.
Superintendent of Schools Joseph Kobza announced that Monroe Public Schools will remain in full remote learning mode through Jan. 8.
Kellogg said links to COVID-19 testing locations in the area can be found on the town website.
The first selectman asks residents to keep prevention measures in mind during the holiday weekend.
“Please take the safety of your family and our entire community into consideration as you celebrate during this time of year,” he said. “I wish everyone a very safe, healthy, and happy holiday.”
Tax information
The town of Monroe has adopted a Lower Interest Program, pursuant to Executive Orders of the Governor, for the January installment of your property tax bill. With this program, Kellogg said:
- Monroe real estate, motor vehicle, and personal property taxes due on Jan 1, 2021 will have a one-month grace period for payment, at zero interest, through February 1, 2021.
- Any payments not made by February 1, 2021 will be subject to only one-quarter of one percent (0.25 percent) interest per month instead of the usual, statutory 11⁄2 percent (1.50%) per month.
- On April 1, 2021, any outstanding taxes must revert to the normal statutory rate, retroactive to January 1, 2021, 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 so long as the mortgage payments are current or the borrower is in a forbearance or deferment program.
For information, call the Tax Collector’s Office at 203-452-2804.
