May 14, 2026
.com
Chester, Deep River, & Essex Vol. XXVI Iss. 20
Deep River Proposes 2.6% Budget Increase By Aaron Rubin Staff Writer
A townwide property reevaluation is expected to drive up tax bills for many Deep River residents under the town’s proposed 2026-27 budget, despite a lower projected mill rate.
The Town of Deep River is proposing a 2.6% increase in municipal operating expenditures for the 2026-27 fiscal year, a rise in spending driven primarily by an increase in property taxes. According to Selectwoman Cynthia Torres, a reevaluation of personal property taxes in Deep River has led the combined boards of
Selectmen and Finance to propose a 59% increase in the area. All things considered—including the property tax, motor vehicle tax, and bonding for the new firehouse—Deep River residents should expect to pay $1,212 in taxes to the town in the next See Deep River Proposes page 8
Mother’s Day Picnic
Howard Sheldon is helping puppies find their purpose.........................2
Still Undefeated Valley-Old Saybrook girls crew continues its strong season.........15
The Gonzalez and Zea families take advantage of mild spring temperatures on the Essex Town Green on Mother’s Day, May 10, spreading out for an afternoon picnic near the water. Clockwise from left are Anibal Gonzalez, Priscilla Melendez, Susan Zea, Andres Gonzalez and Luis Zea.
Postcards from Afar Travel along with writer Susan Cornell as she discovers Italy.......24
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/ The Courier
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