Good evening, this is First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons with today’s weekly update.
Madison currently has 40 active COVID-19 cases in our community and one resident hospitalized; we can be grateful that we continue to have no new fatalities. As of yesterday, Madison Public Schools had 6 active cases, including students and staff.
On Monday, the Governor announced that the state will continue an age-based approach to COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, but will also prioritize educators and childcare providers in March. The next age category for vaccination will be people age 55 or older starting March 1st. With this change in eligibility criteria, the state has directed the Town to hold dedicated vaccination clinics for PreK-12 school staff and teachers, and professional childcare providers only. Unfortunately, until more vaccine supplies are available, The Town will not be able to offer weekly clinics to the general public who qualify. However, all age-based eligible residents can make appointments to get vaccinated at sites throughout the state, including some area pharmacies, several major hospitals, and by calling the state COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment Assist line at (877) 918-2224. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 vaccination locations in Connecticut, please visit ct.gov/covidvaccine.
I am pleased to share that the Scranton Library will be reopening for walk-in visits next Monday, March 1st, with the hope for additional hours in April. In order to stay up to date on the library’s latest reopening plans, please sign up for email updates at https://www.scrantonlibrary.org.
Finally, on Monday the Board of Selectmen unanimously approved a recommended budget for the Town and Board of Education for the 2021/2022 fiscal year. The combined budgets total $88.7 million, representing a 2.34% increase over the previous year. This budget includes maintaining funding for important government services, such as education, police, fire, and ambulance, and supports the full re-opening of the new Scranton Memorial Library. Next Wednesday, March 3 at 7 p.m., I will be presenting the recommended budget to the Board of Finance at a budget public hearing. To attend this virtual meeting held through zoom, please visit the meeting calendar on the town website at https://www.madisonct.org/calendar.
Stay safe and healthy Madison.
Peggy Lyons
First Selectwoman