By Dionna Carlson
Wishing you a safe and healthy start to the year.
As we begin the new year, January 6 marked the formal start of the Town’s FY 2027 budget process. On that date, the Board of Selectmen (BOS) commenced its review of all Town department operating budgets (excluding the Board of Education, whose budget is reviewed by Board of Finance and Town Council) as well as all department capital budgets. This is a critical step in shaping a fiscally responsible plan that supports essential services while remaining mindful of our taxpayers.
The BOS is scheduled to complete its review and vote on the proposed budget on January 29, 2026. Following that vote, the budget officially moves to the Board of Finance (BOF) on February 3, 2026. The BOF will hold a public hearing on March 3, 2026, and a final vote on March 5, 2026.
Once approved by the BOF, the budget advances to the Town Council (TC) on March 12, 2026. The TC will host a public hearing on April 2, 2026, with a final vote scheduled for April 14, 2026. I strongly encourage residents to follow along and participate throughout this process. On the Town website homepage (www.newcanaan.info) you will find a Budget Documents icon and a Calendar showing dates of all upcoming meetings.
Registry for Vulnerable Residents
Winter 2025/26 has begun as a cold and snowy one, bringing several power outages across town. If you or someone you know is particularly vulnerable during outages – such as residents who rely on medically critical, electricity-powered devices – please register them with Eversource’s Life Support Customers List. Eversource requires that medical certification of illness be provided by a physician, APRN or PA. Visit Eversource.com – Medical Web Portal.
Additionally, residents who are 65+, homebound, or disabled are encouraged to join the Human Services Department’s Vulnerable Resident Outreach Registry. In the event of a town-wide emergency, Human Services staff will reach out to those residents and make wellness checks. The registration form can be found at www.newcanaan.info/departments/human_services/ For other assistance, call 203-594-3076.
Lapham Medicare Counseling
I want to congratulate and thank the Lapham Community Center for its outstanding Medicare Counseling Services. Medicare options can be complex and confusing because there are multiple parts, plans and rules, and the options have different costs, provider networks and coverage limits. Local volunteer counselors just completed the 20th consecutive year of Lapham helping New Canaan residents find the most appropriate Medicare coverage and save money in the process. In 2025 alone, 157 clients saved $758,599. Since 2011, these services have resulted in $4,696,235 in savings for residents.
The program continues this year with appointments available for residents two Thursdays of each month, and Monday through Friday between October 15 and December 7. For appointments call 203-594-3620.
The Community Center is seeking additional volunteer Medicare CHOICES Counselors for the 2026 program. Counselors receive extensive training in all parts of Medicare. If you are interested in getting involved, you may call the CHOICES program manager Katie Wheeler at 203-814-3639.
Police Department Survey
Finally, I encourage residents and businesspeople to participate in the Police Department’s Citizen Survey to share feedback on department performance. The survey has been open for a month and closes Thursday January 15. Find the survey online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NCPD2025 If you miss the online survey, the department is happy to hear from members of the community throughout the year.
Wishing you a safe and healthy start to the year.
Dionna Carlson is the New Canaan First Selectman. Her leadership is guided by a respect for local decision-making and a commitment to keeping residents informed and engaged. Read more from Dionna each month by subscribing to her email newsletter, News From Town Hall. To sign up to receive the newsletter visit newcanaan.info and click on the red bar at top, Sign Up For Alerts. To read the latest issue of the newsletter, visit newcanaan.info and click on the yellow bar at top, News From Town Hall.
