March 5, 2026
.com
Guilford Vol. XXIX Iss. 10
Blizzard Drives Overtime Deficit in Town Budget By Aaron Rubin Staff Writer
Guilford was once again hit with heavy snowfall exactly one month after Winter Storm Fern descended on the town in January. Those storms—including a blizzard that prompted Connecticut to declare a state of emergency—brought significant additional
accumulation on top of snow that had already remained on the ground for a month. A similar situation is unfolding in the current year’s budget, town leadership told the Guilford Courier. First Selectman Matt Hoey said the town is currently “in a deficit position related to overtime for our Public Works employees” following Fern, having exceeded the bud-
geted amount for overtime because of the storm. A similar outcome is expected following the most recent blizzard. According to Finance Director Maryjane Malavasi, the fiscal year 2026 budget includes $48,000 for Public Works overtime. “We have spent $125,844 in overtime this See Blizzard page 8
Bob Schuster is still discovering new things to love about gems and minerals................................2
Wild About Reptiles
A Clean Sweep Amanda Coler of A Shedding Guilford's boys and girls fencing Change Reptile Rescue Inc. squads swept the conference introduces Hotdog, a male leopard championship, bringing home gecko, during a presentation at the Guilford Free Library on Feb. 28 dual titles....................................12 as part of Loeb’s Weekend Wildlife, a monthly Saturday series focused on building understanding and compassion for wildlife and domestic animals. Ramen, a 1-yearold male ball python, and Peach, a Merauke blue-tongued skink, also visited with attendees.
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/ The Courier
Way Down South Take a cruise down to the Florida Keys................................19
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