1.) The finance director has informed the Board of Selectmen of our unaudited budget surplus of close to $1 million at the close of fiscal year 2011-2012. This was the result of the mild winter, merging of the Engineering and Public Works departments, lower health insurance costs, lower energy costs, keeping overtime to a minimum, and watching spending very closely. For the third year in a row, we will use this surplus to boost the fund balance, which is finally at an amount recommended by credit-rating agencies, putting us in a good position when it comes time to bond for the new Guilford High School.

2.) The Board of Selectmen has also approved the refunding (refinancing) of up to $19 million of current town bonds. The town will take advantage of lower interest rates, helping us reduce our debt service by $1.6- to $2 million over the next few years. This debt service reduction will soften the increase when the town bonds for the new Guilford High School.

3.) We had another successful season of summer events with the Guilford Art Center's Expo on the Green, Shoreline Arts Alliance Shakespeare on the Shoreline, Sunday night concerts, and various other events. During the summer months, our Public Works Department was busy completing road projects and continuing the town's chipsealing program. Stepstone Hill Road from Route 77 to Maupas Hill Road was finished as well as the reconstruction of Quonnipaug Hills Road. The department is continuing to work on various road drainage projects to mitigate flooding situations. The dredging of Sluice Creek in the early spring has alleviated flooding in the downtown area, while also helping to control the mosquito population. I have been advised by the Health Department that we have had fewer problems with mosquitoes this summer due to the town's continued mosquito control program and larvaciding.

4.) With summer behind us and winter fast approaching, I would like to remind everyone to register their phones and mobile devices with CT-Alert (Reverse 911) to receive important information during severe weather and other types of emergencies.

During snowstorms please adhere to the parking bans set by the police department so plow trucks can clean the roads. Also be mindful of the town's Snow Removal Ordinance that requires property owners to clear snow from their sidewalks within 24 hours after the end of the storm.

5.) The Guilford Chamber of Commerce has now included the first selectman as a member of its Board of Directors. This will strengthen our commitment to supporting town businesses and help to foster more economic development.