News

Southbury Police Department

The Southbury Police Department worked with the State to implement the Connecticut Information Sharing System (CISS). We are proud to pass on that the SPD has been recognized by the State of Connecticut Criminal Justice Information Systems Governing Board for their dedicated work being the quickest Department in the state to achieve CISS certification. The feedback from the CISS curriculum manager says it all: “I honestly don't know if we can do it any quicker, this speaks volumes so keep up the great work….”. I am proud of the work our officers do in and for our community every day. Congratulations to our department and especially Sgt. Josh Rocupero who has lead the effort.

Shortt’s Field

The Rural Preservation Advisory Committee (RUPAC) will be meeting today. The members will be looking at town property purchased from Jack Shortt years ago - 415 Roxbury Road. My hope is they make a recommendation to preserve the land.

Budget Meetings

We completed the budget review with all department heads last week. Some small cuts and additions have been identified. The Board of Selectmen approved its budget at last night's meeting and is sending the recommended budget to the Board of Finance.

The Board of Finance will hold a Public Hearing on the budget on Monday, March 16 at 6:00pm in room 205. The recommended budget will be posted on the town website at www.southbury-ct.org/budget.

Library Elevator

The Library elevator is now fully functional. The Southbury Library is a boon to our town and its closure really brought home just how valued it is to our community. Restoring accessibility to the second floor of the library enhances residents’ experience of this amazing resource.

Public Works

I’m sure everyone is looking forward to the coming spring weather! Due to a statewide salt shortage, Public Works faced a difficult winter challenge this year keeping our roads clear during the last snow storm. The highway department evaluated options, and implemented strategies to get us through a winter which had them working overtime many weeks. Public Works is currently well into planning for spring and summer activities including much needed road repairs. I can’t say enough about the hard work they all do. Here’s to the warm sunny weather ahead.

Senior Services

I was informed that our Senior Services needed a dedicated vehicle to transport seniors receiving cancer treatments out of town. To save on the fuel required by the mini-busses, and provide a more comfortable ride to our seniors in need of critical care, we have dedicated one of the SUV fleet vehicles to the Senior Center for that purpose.

Our next scheduled Coffee with the First Selectman is March 17th. I believe there will be green libations served. I look forward to meeting with other senior members of the community. Registration is required.

Social Services Administrator Mary Silverman

I recently received a wonderful letter from a resident of Heritage Village regarding our Social Services Administrator Mary Silverman. The resident is on a fixed income, as many in town are, and she unfortunately had her heat pump fail, with limited funds to replace it. Mary was able to identify available funding to secure replacement. The resident stated, “Thanks to her compassion and commitment to those of us who need a helping hand, she made it happen. What a treasure Mary is to our wonderful town.” We join in her sentiments. Working with Mary since coming into office has been a pleasure. I have seen firsthand her dedication and desire to be of service.

Memorial Bench

In honor of Ryan Rutledge, a local resident tragically killed in an accident back in 2021, our Public Works Department will be installing a memorial bench at George Bennett Park for his friends and family to be able to safely reminisce about their loved one. This is being done as an appreciation for all his family has done for our community through the years. For those that don’t know, Ryan’s twin brother – Patrick along with at least two of his friends were a tremendous help to many of our flood victims back in 2024. Patrick and friends donated hundreds of hours cleaning up debris at several homes along Route 6 near Community House Road. He brought truck, dump trailer and tractor and they would not take compensation for their efforts. Another example of the caring decent people we have living within our community.