June 25, 2026
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Chester, Deep River, & Essex Vol. XXVI Iss. 26
Deep River Budget Passes Second Referendum By Aaron Rubin Staff Writer
The proposed municipal budget in Deep River passed a second referendum June 16, with voters approving it 329-215, according to the town. The budget’s passage comes a month after voters rejected an initial proposal. Residents expressed concerns that the first budget was
too costly, particularly during a year of property revaluation, a factor town officials acknowledged contributed to its defeat. The revised budget, which takes effect July 1, includes $21,544,884 in annual expenditures. That total reflects $427,000 in reductions made between the first referendum and a town meeting held before the second vote.
With the new budget, Deep River’s mill rate will be set at 22.59, down significantly from 31.98. First Selectwoman Carol Jones explained in her weekly newsletter that the lower rate is largely the result of this year’s property revaluation. “Last year…the mill rate was 31.98 and See Deep River Budget page 11
Sheila Rogan is getting a second chance with the Ivoryton Fourth of July parade...................................2
Art on the Green Lisa Conti, owner of Photo Art, speaks with visitors at her booth featuring photographic wall and shelf art during the Summer Arts Festival on the Essex Green on June 20. The festival gave visitors an opportunity to purchase artwork from local painters, photographers, mixed-media artists and other artisans.
Photo by Laura Matesky/ Valley Courier
A Bright Future A Young Warriors softball team returns nearly its entire roster after a Class S semifinal appearance....15
A Razor-Sharp Revival Hartford’s collaborative production of Sweeney Todd earns high praise........................24
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