By Cathy Iino, Killingworth First Selectman.
Hello, Killingworth–
The count of Killingworth residents with confirmed cases of COVID-19 is now at 15–up from 13, where it had been for the last month. One of those is a new case, a person in their 20s. The other is actually a case from May that had not been properly entered into the records.
Statewide, the trends are still in the right direction, although there has been an uptick in the number of confirmed cases in the last few days. The number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Connecticut is down to 77, and we have had more than one day with no COVID-19 deaths at all. That is great news. If we can maintain the practices that keep these numbers low, reopening businesses, schools, and events will be much easier.
Transfer Station. Starting July 11, on Saturdays the Transfer Station is accepting all categories of trash, including recycling, bulky waste, brush, and metals as well as household garbage. Because of the continuing risk from COVID-19, we ask that you wear a mask-for your own protection and the protection of others, and we will continue to limit the number of vehicles entering at a time. Please be patient when there are delays, and if traffic is really backed up, consider returning at a later time. Back-ups are generally sporadic, and if you come back later, you are likely to be able to get through very quickly.
We will continue to accept only household garbage and recycling on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm and only bulky waste, metals, and brush on Wednesdays from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
There is also a Household Hazardous Waste collection in Essex on July 11 from 9:00 am to 1 pm. Details here.
Absentee Ballots for August 11 Primary. If you are registered as a Democrat or Republican, you may have received in the mail an application for an absentee ballot for the August 11 presidential preference primary. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Lamont signed an executive order allowing all registered Democrats and Republicans in Connecticut to vote by absentee ballot in the upcoming primary. Secretary of the State Denise Merrill has mailed an absentee ballot application, along with a postage-paid return envelope, to every registered Democrat and Republican in the state. A voter who returns the application will receive their ballot (also with a postage paid return envelope) in the mail beginning on July 21, 2020.
You will have several choices for how to cast your vote. First, you can mail it in; it must be received in the Town Clerk’s office by August 11. Second, you will able to deposit it in the secure, dedicated ballot drop box the town will be installing outside of Town Hall, to allow voters to deliver their absentee ballots in person without close personal contact. For those who would still like to cast their vote in person, our polling place at Killingworth Elementary School will be open as usual on August 11.
“The expanded option to vote absentee will ensure that the democratic process continues safely and securely,” says Town Clerk Dawn Mooney. “As always, Killingworth voters can contact my office at 860-663-1765, x502 with any questions. Although the office is currently closed to the public, the town clerks are working every day and are happy to assist you in any way we can.”
Taxes. Sorry to end on this note! I just want to answer a couple of questions that have been raised.
First, the general drop box at Town Hall is securely locked. It is checked many times each day. We encourage you to use it for tax payments, dog license applications, and other communications with the town.
Second, you can pay your tax bill or check your tax account through the town website; here’s the link. Your payment will show there about two business days we receive it, by whatever means you make it.
Let’s all stay safe–
Cathy
