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1. How do I Remove a Motor Vehicle from the Grand List?

Two forms of proof are required in order to remove, or pro-rate, a vehicle you no longer own, from the Grand List.  The first form of proof to be presented, MUST be, the plate receipt from DMV showing that you have cancelled the plate.  This can be done online at https://www.ct.gov/dmv/cwp/view.asp?a=803&q=569570, or done at the DMV itself.  The second form of proof, will be something that tells us what you did with the vehicle.  This could be a Bill of Sale, Trade-in Papers, Out of State Registration, etc.  

A full list of acceptable forms of proof can be found by clicking here .  

If you do not have a copy of any of these documents, a Motor Vehicle Affidavit, may be filled out and returned to the Assessor's Office.  The Affidavit can be downloaded here:  

2. I am a Veteran, do I Qualify for any Tax Breaks?

You must be a town of Westbrook resident as of October 1st to receive a Veteran’s Exemption.

Regular Veteran’s Exemption: To qualify for a regular Veteran’s Exemption, the Veteran must have served at least 90 days during wartime and received an honorable discharge. Original discharge papers (DD-214) or separation papers must be filed with the Town Clerk’s Office prior to October 1st. There is no income criteria for this exemption. The benefit takes $6,000 off of the assessment of your home.  If you do not own your home, the benefit is taken off the most expensive vehicle(s) that you own.

Disabled Veteran’s: Disabled Veterans who receive eligibility letters directly from the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs may be entitled to increased property tax exemptions for service related disabilities. In order to receive this exemption, the veteran must file the disability letter with the Assessor’s Office.

Additional Veteran’s Exemptions: An additional benefit is available for Veterans with incomes under a certain amount (the amount changes every year, so contact the Assessor's Office for this information). The filing period is February 1st thru October 1st. Qualifying income includes your form 1040 tax return, if filed, and/or SSA 1099 – Social Security Statement. Additional Veteran’s Benefits double the regular Veterans Benefits.  The form to submit is located by clicking here:

Qualifying income for 100% V.A. Disabled Veterans is $18,000 for a single person and $21,000 for a married couple. Social security income is not considered.

A widow/widower is entitled to keep 100% of their spouse’s Veterans Benefit.

For more detailed Information, please see our Veteran's Benefit Brochure

3. I am a Homeowner who is 65+ years old, do I Qualify for any Tax Breaks?

A Homeowner who is 65 years of age or older, and who's income is under a certain amount, is qualified for the following tax breaks:

The Elderly/Disabled Homeowner Program: Runs between February 1 and May 15 each year. The applicant must be 65 years of age to apply or any age if they are permanently and totally disabled and qualify with the state income limits.

Please bring a copy of your form 1040 and/or form SSA-1099 when applying. This program is also called the Circuit Breaker Program and must be filed every two years.  Along with the Homeowner’s age or disability requirements, they must fall within the income limits (these limits change every year, so contact the Assessor’s Office for this information). If you are unsure if you qualify for the upcoming year, please call the Assessor’s Office 860-399-3016 or 860-399-3045.

To apply for this, please see the Homeowner's Benefit Application .

The Senior Tax Freeze Program: Wherein your taxes can be frozen the first year you qualify. From then on, as long as your income criteria does not exceed the state income limits, and you do not increase the value of your home by way of additions or outbuildings, your taxes will not increase. If a Homeowner is on the Elderly Homeowner Program (Circuit Breaker), their taxes can be frozen and the forgiven taxes do NOT have to be repaid when they sell their home.

For more detailed information, please see the Tax Benefit Freeze form .

If the Homeowner does not qualify for the Circuit Breaker Program, the Homeowner may still qualify for the Freeze Program; however, a lien in the amount of deferral will be placed on the property along with 3% interest per annum from the date the taxes would have been due. Applicants must agree to reimbursement of the total amount of such deferral benefit plus interest payable upon death or conveyance.

The total income is calculated from the IRS 1040 form line 6a social security benefits, and line 9 total income. If the applicant does not file an income tax return and has social security as their only yearly income, then a copy of the form SSA-1099 – Social Security Benefit Statement will be required, along with any other 1099s received for the year.

4. I am Totally Disabled, do I qualify for any Tax Breaks?

Totally Disabled Tax Exemption: This program takes $1,000 off of the assessment of your home.  If you do not own your home, the exemption comes off of your most expensive vehicle.  Along with the application, proof of eligibility must be submitted as well.  This can be an award letter from Social Security, the Department of Veteran's Affairs, or any other Federal, State or Local Government Retirement or Disability Plan.  If over the age of 65, a Physician's Certificate, with a Doctor's signature may be submitted in place of the award letter.  The Application and the Physician's Certificate can be found by clicking here:  as well as the Assessor Page of the website.

Elderly/Disabled Homeowner Program: Runs between February 1 and May 15, each year. The applicant must be a Homeowner 65 years of age to apply or any age if they are permanently and totally disabled and qualify with the state income limits. Please bring a copy of your form 1040 and/or form SSA-1099 when applying. This program is also called the Circuit Breaker program and the application must be filed every two years. Along with the Homeowner’s age or disability requirements, the applicant(s) must fall within qualifying income limits (these limits change every year, so contact the Assessor for this information).

Ambulatory Vehicle Benefit: If you own a motor vehicle that has been modified to meet your, or a family members, disability needs, that vehicle is eligible to be tax exempt.  The application, which can be found by clicking here:   as well as the Assessor Page of the website, needs to be submitted to the Assessor's Office by October 1st, along with an invoice, stating the modifications to the vehicle.

5. I am a Business Owner in Westbrook, when is my Personal Property Declaration Due in to the Assessor's Office?

Personal Property Declarations are due in to the Assessor's Office by November 1st each year.  If a request for an extension is submitted to, and approved by, the Assessor's Office, the due date is then December 15th.

Relevant forms can be found here:

Personal Property Long Form;

Personal Property Short Form;

Personal Property Editable Excel Form;

Personal Property Motor Vehicle Form.

6. I am the Owner of a Business that I Closed, Sold or Moved to Another Town, How do I Remove my Business From the Grand List?

If you are the owner of a business, that is no longer in operation in Westbrook, you must fill out a Close of Business Form, found by clicking here: , or on the Assessor Page of the website.  Please return it to the Assessor's Office, by November 1st.  Once it is returned, we will then remove the business from our records, so no further tax bills will be issued.

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1. What kind of streetlights does Westbrook currently use?

The majority of streetlights currently used in Westbrook are High Pressure Sodium (HPS) lights mounted on wooden utility poles owned by Eversource or Frontier. The remaining fixtures have bulbs mounted in lantern style fixtures on metal poles in newer subdivisions or metal halide fixtures like those on Flat Rock Place leading to the Westbrook Outlets.

 While HPS has been one of the most common streetlight technologies across the country for decades, it has several drawbacks.

 HPS streetlights are not energy efficient, cast an orange light under which it is difficult to see color accurately and tend to produce light that is not of optimal quality. The other decorative type lights also lack energy efficiency. 

2. What are LED streetlights?

Light Emitting Diodes (LED) are a technology that has been used in solid state lighting for decades. In the last decade, LED technology has advanced to streetlight applications. LED streetlights are extremely energy efficient, have long life spans, and produce a better color and quality of light than typical High Pressure Sodium (HPS) streetlights. 

3. What color of light are LED streetlight fixtures?

Compared to the more orange light (2200-Kelvin on a color scale) that High Pressure Sodium (HPS) fixtures produce, LED streetlight fixtures are a cooler, white light under which it is easier to see true colors. Westbrook’s Energy Committee plans to use whiter 3000-Kelvin LEDs, similar to those in Old Saybrook and Madison, not the 4000-Kelvin LEDs in Clinton, which are more blue-white. The American Medical Association has recommended 3000-Kelvin for streetlight LEDs and Eversource also plans to install 3000-Kelvin fixtures in communities not installing their own LED fixtures. 

4. Why might the new LED fixtures appear to be dimmer to some?

Although the new LED fixtures produce a different looking light than the HPS fixtures they replaced, they are not actually dimmer. HPS fixtures tend to produce a bright spot directly underneath the fixture that also spills onto adjacent properties, whereas LEDs create a more even pool of light across the ground or roadway. HPS fixtures also let light escape upwards, which impacts the night sky, and the LED light distribution avoids uplighting entirely. 

5. Did the Town explore other options, such as wireless controls for dimming and solar-powered LED streetlight fixtures?

Wireless controls cost up to 40% more, extending the expected payback period, and are not yet eligible for a rebate from the State’s Energy Efficiency Fund. The Town expects to receive an approximate $50,000 rebate for the LEDs from this Fund, which receives revenues from the “Combined Public Benefit Charge” that every resident and business pays on their monthly electric and/or natural gas bills.

 The Town is purchasing cobra-head fixtures that will be control-ready so we can take advantage of the technology when the cost comes down to add wireless controls or other options. Most LED fixtures the Town is purchasing will have a manual dimming control installed, which will allow raising the lumen output over time to offset natural declines in output as dirt accumulates and the fixtures age.

 Solar-powered LED streetlights cost three to four times more than standard LED fixtures, which would not be economical, extending the payback period well into the expected 25-year life of the LED fixtures. Existing solar-powered fixtures also produce less available light than the Town plans for fixtures on its State routes and at intersections. 

6. Why is Westbrook doing an LED streetlight conversion project?

Westbrook is interested in reducing its energy consumption and maintenance costs associated with street lighting. Installing LED streetlight fixtures will save energy, require less maintenance, and will provide residents with better light quality on streets and roadways. The estimated savings after the payback period amounts to over $1 million over the life of the LED fixtures, primarily due to lower maintenance/delivery charges.

 Dozens of other communities in Connecticut and more in other states have assumed maintenance responsibilities and installed LED streetlight fixtures. 

7. Why not let Eversource replace the existing HPS cobra head fixtures instead of the Town purchasing and replacing them?

Replacing HPS fixtures with LEDs would reduce energy consumption (supply charges) but maintenance (delivery) charges would increase, offsetting the savings and keeping bills comparable to current ones. In addition, the cost to purchase the fixtures from Eversource increases each time another community purchases theirs, since Eversource’s street lighting costs are spread over the remainder. 

8. How many streetlights is Westbrook replacing with the LED streetlight conversion project?

This project will involve 625 streetlights throughout Westbrook, 523 of which are standard HPS streetlights (called “cobra heads.”) as well as 102 decorative style fixtures in newer subdivisions and on Flat Rock Place. Those privately maintained, which are described in the article in the summer issue of Westbrook Events, are the responsibility of others. 

9. How much will Westbrook likely save when it upgrades to LED streetlight fixtures?

The project is expected to save Westbrook approximately $70,000 in the first twelve months after all the LEDs are installed and likely more over time as Eversource’s rates rise. The Town’s street lighting bills increased by 43% between Fiscal Years 2013 and 2016 and totaled nearly $89,000 in FY 2017. 

10. How long will the project last?

The project began in April 2017, with the Town’s Energy Committee evaluating the benefits of installing LEDs.  An audit of the fixtures the Town is purchasing was performed in April 2018 and locations were plotted for transfer to the Town’s Geographic Information System (GIS). Pilot fixtures for resident feedback are scheduled to be installed the first week of July 2018 and the final LED streetlight installations should occur by September. 

11. What does the project involve?

The Board of Finance and Board of Selectmen approved the project’s expenditure and the contractor selected at their meetings last November and the vote to approve the project was unanimously approved by town residents at a Town Meeting last December. The Town purchased the existing high-pressure cobra head fixtures on utility poles and decorative streetlights from Eversource in mid-April, 2018 and will pay Siemens for the LED installations once they are complete. The total cost before the expected rebate of some $50,000 was approved at $387,000 and a $5,000 grant that the Energy Committee earned will be used to purchase spare fixtures. 

12. Where are the pilot fixtures being installed?

Three cobra head fixtures are being installed near the Town Beach. One 4000-Kelvin fixture is at the entrance to the parking lot, a 3000 Kelvin residential street fixture is on Seaside Avenue near the basketball backstops in the parking lot, and a brighter 3000-Kelvin fixture (for main roads) at the corner of Seaside Avenue and Tarpon Avenue. Residential intersections will have fixtures with an illumination level in between these two demo LEDs. Retrofits for the lantern-style decorative fixtures will be installed at the intersection of Fairview and Halls Roads and at the end of Halls Road. One fixture on Flat Rock Place will also have its metal halide fixture retrofitted with an LED. Poles on Seaview Avenue with LEDs have yellow tape around them for easy identification. Residents may provide feedback on color and light distribution during July via a survey to be posted on the Energy Committee’s web site. 

13. What is Westbrook doing with all of the streetlights it is removing?

The existing High Pressure Sodium (HPS) streetlights with aluminum bodies will be recycled in accordance with all federal and state environmental guidelines. 

14. How do I find more information about the LED streetlight conversion project?

The Energy Committee held an informational workshop last November and provided a slide presentation at the Town Meeting approving the project last December 11th. Articles in Westbrook Events and the Harbor News have kept readers abreast of developments with the project. An additional informational workshop is planned for July. 

15. Who do I contact to report streetlights that are out, flickering, or on during the day?

As detailed in the summer issue of Westbrook Events (green bordered cover), the Town’s Department of Public Works (DPW) will relay residents’ reports to Siemens for attention. Outages in HPS cobra head fixtures in the early months of Town ownership will be addressed as appropriate but not those that fail in the late summer leading up to full LED replacements/retrofits. 

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1. Can I burn brush in my yard?

Yes, but you have to obtain a permit from the open burning official. To do so, please call 860-399-3040.

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1. How do I register to Vote?

Visit the Registrar of Voters webpage:  Register or Update Registration

2. What are the hours that the transfer station is open?

The Transfer Station is open Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The Town no longer issues stickers for transfer station/beach stickers. 

You will need to show one of the following: drivers license (valid), tax bill or mail.

3. Where did the awesome Westbrook pictures come from?

The Town of Westbrook is lucky to have a wonderful native

photographer, Roger Charbonneau Jr., who has shared some 

of his works with the us.

His website and many more pictures of the Westbrook Shoreline 

can be viewed and purchased here....https://rogerspix.smugmug.com/Westbrook-Connecticut/

To contact Roger or connect through social media:

Roger's Pix Photography

Connecticut based photographer. For usage licensing contact him at rogerspix88@gmail.com

Follow him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/rogerspix.smugmug and Twitter at @rogerspix88.         

4. How do I report an issue with street lights?

Call DPW’s Colleen Topitzer during normal business hours from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at (860) 552-4496 to report streetlight outages. 

When calling in for an outage please supply house number, street address, pole number.

5. How do I leave a note to the Website Administrator?

You can send an email to the website admin with comments or suggestions be emailing the Website Administrator.  

 

6. How do I find Broadband/Internet Provider resource for Westbrook residents and businesses?

Here is a list to a comparison page that has up-to-date information on coverage, plans and pricing for every Internet Service Providers available in Westbrook, Ct: https://broadbandnow.com/Connecticut/Westbrook

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1. Are permits required?

No, the Temporary Certificate for Outdoor Dining (TCOD) is temporary in nature and requires staff review and sign off on the plans submitted.

The TCOD will be reviewed by the Building Official and the Fire Marshal for code compliance if applicable.

All requests for a TCOD will be forwarded to the Westbrook Health Department.

2. What is the fee?

There are no fees associated with a request for a Temporary Certificate for Outdoor Dining (TCOD).

3. What if we already have an outdoor dining area approved by the Town?

You may use your existing outdoor dining area but will have to comply with separation guidelines issued by the Westbrook Health Department or the State of Connecticut, whichever are more restrictive.

Any modifications to exiting outdoor dining areas require the same review process as for those that do not currently exist.

4. Do I need professionally drawn plans for submission?

A survey is preferred.  If one does not exist, a sketch/drawing would be required. The drawing must conform to the requirements listed on the application form.  Plans and written narrative should allow staff to determine the following:

• The exact location and dimensions of the dining area.
• The proximity of the dining area to adjacent uses will help staff determine if screening/fencing is required.
• The number of tables and how they will be spaced.
• The illustrated pathway that will be taken to and from the kitchen by wait staff.
• Location of waste receptacles.
• Location of any temporary structures, including tents.
• Where required by size, tents must meet construction, wind load, and installation standards.
• Where required, tent construction and fire ratings shall be reviewed by the Fire Marshal.

5. Do I need a permit from Westbrook Health Department?

Yes. I would request that you contact:

 Zachary Faiella, the Director of Health, (860) 399-9869 zfaiella@westbrookct.us, or 

Lee Archer, the Sanitarian, (860) 399-3018 larcher@westbrookct.us for details.

 

6. Can I use areas of my parking lot, lawn, or other designated outdoor areas?

Yes, Subject to Westbrook Building, Fire and Health Code requirements, provided appropriate social distancing is implemented. 

For temporary dining areas to be in parking lots, barriers for the protection of patrons will be required. Concrete barriers are preferred.  

Staff may review other types barriers that can effectively shield patrons and workers from vehicles navigating their way through the parking areas.

7. Am I required to cover my dining area (example tent or table umbrellas)?

No, you are not required to cover the temporary dining area.

8. Can I install tents within temporary dining areas?

While a tent is not required, you can install tents in conformance with Building Official and Fire Marshal review and approval. 

Details must be submitted with the application and the Building Official and Fire Marshal should be consulted before submitting plans to avoid delays. 

Note: at present tents will not be able to have sides.

9. Can I serve alcohol?

If you have a permit from the State of CT to serve alcohol on your existing patio with no modifications proposed, yes.

If you are asking for a Temporary Certificate for Outdoor Dining (TCOD) for a modification, or a new patio, The State Liquor Commission will require you to obtain local approval on their form.  They have told the Town that the process will be expedited.  Once your TCOD is approved at the Town level, you may apply to the State.  The Town will sign off on the required forms as quickly as possible.

If you do not have a current liquor license, you will not be able to serve alcohol on the patio.  You may allow BYOB in this case.

The TCOD is for dining with ancillary alcohol service as permitted by the State of CT.  Outdoor bars are not permitted.

Pursuant to Executive Order 7MM, hours of operation are limited to 9:00 PM from Sunday through Thursday and 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. 

This requirement supercedes any later hours that might otherwise be permitted.

10. How long will my TCOD be valid?

This is a fluid situation involving zoning, building, fire and health approvals. 

1. When the Governor’s Executive Order is lifted and you can resume indoor dining, the Temporary Certificate for Outdoor Dining (TOCD) will be subject to review and may be suspended if it is found that you cannot accommodate both indoor and outdoor dining based upon your unique requirements for parking, and safety factors.
2. Regardless of ongoing reviews, no TCOD will remain in effect past August 31, 2020 unless conflicting Executive Orders are issued by the Governor.  In that case, Certificate extensions may be evaluated.
3. Approvals from the Building and Fire Officials may have varying expiration dates.  These shall be noted in any decision letter authorizing you to proceed.  The applicant must ensure that all aspects of the approvals are kept up to date.
4. All TCODs are subject to revocation for failure to follow safety protocol and/or the creation of any nuisance.

11. Who do I contact for a Temporary Certificate for Outdoor Dining

Contact List:

Eric Knapp, Planning, Zoning and Development Coordinator                    860-399-3041

David Maiden, Building Official                                                                        860-399-2035

Zachary Faiella, Director of Health                                                                  860-399-9869

John Flaherty, Fire Marshal                                                                               860-552-4996                

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1. How do I know if I'm registered?

You can use this online tool on the state’s Secretary of the State website. You can also reach out to your local voter registrar’s office.

2. How can I register to vote?

You can register to vote online using this tool. You can also register to vote in-person with the local registrar’s office.

3. Can I vote in person?

Yes, you can check with your local registrar or check the Secretary of the State’s website to determine your polling place.

4. What are the polling place hours?

Polling places are open from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Election Day.

5. Can I vote early?

There is no early voting in Connecticut. The only way to cast a ballot early in Connecticut is by qualfying for an absentee ballot.

6. Am I eligible for an absentee ballot?

You can vote by absentee ballot if you meet any of the following qualifications: you are an active member of the armed forces of the U.S., you will be out of town on Election Day, sickness may prevent you from voting in person, your religious beliefs could prevent you from performing secular activities like voting, you will be performing duties as an election official in a polling place other than your own, or you have a physical disability preventing you from voting in person.

7. How can I get an absentee ballot?

You can apply for an absentee ballot online or at the local town clerk's office.

You must first complete the Absentee Ballot Application (Form ED-3) which is available in English and in Spanish.

The form can be obtained in person at the Town Clerk's Office or by going to the State of Connecticut Website for absentee voting Information.

Once your application is completed, it must be taken to the Westbrook Town Clerk's Office with your photo ID where you can obtain an absentee ballot.  

8. What is the last day I can get an absentee ballot?

You can apply now for an absentee ballot - it will be sent to you 31 days before the election or, if it’s within 31 days of the election, as soon as the local town clerk can send out a ballot.

If it’s within six days of the election, you can apply for an emergency ballot. Only those who qualify will be granted a ballot. .

9. When do I need to submit my absentee ballot by and where do I submit it?

You can submit the absentee ballot by mail, in person at the town clerk’s office or by dropping it in the secure drop box that is likely located outside of town hall.

Ballots must be received by the close of the polls at 8 p.m. on Election Day.

10. Do I need an ID to vote?

You do not need a driver’s license nor a photo ID. If you do not have either, you may sign an affidavit in lieu of presenting ID. Alternatively, you can also present a credit card with your name and signature, an ID with your name and photograph, or any document with you name and address such as a checkbook or a utility bill.

11. Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Yes. Each town will have a designated site for same-day voter registration. Check with your local town clerk and/or registrar to determine the location.

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1. Do I have to be a resident to visit the Senior Center?

No, the Westbrook Senior Center is a welcome place for anyone regardless of their hometown.

2. What age do I have to be to qualify to visit the Senior Center?

The Senior Center is open to all older adults over the age of 60.

3. Is there a membership fee or dues to join?

No, the Senior Center is open to all at no charge.

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1. How can I pay my tax bill?

Tax bills can be paid using cash, a check or a credit card.  There is a 2.5% fee when using a credit card and a $2.00 fee for a bank check.

Payments can be mailed to the Tax Collector's Office, dropped in the outside drop box located at the front door of the Westbrook Town Hall, paid in person or additionally, paid online at http://www.westbrookct.us.

2. How can I get a receipt for paying my taxes?

If paying in person, be sure to bring your entire bill with you.

If paying by mail, enclose the entire bill along with a self-addressed stamped envelope along with your check - a receipt will be mailed to you.

3. When is the last day to pay my taxes?

For any given year:

• For the January 1 tax bill, the last day to pay your taxes is February 1st;
  
• For the July 1 tax bill, the last day to pay your taxes is August 1.

IF either of these dates fall on a Saturday or a Sunday, then the last day to pay is the Monday that immediately follows.

IF you bank online, there is no documentation for your payment.  Your payment may be considered late and interest will be charged accordingly since State Statutes require a postmark.

IF you drop your payment in the drop box at the front door of the town hall, it will be considered an on-time payment if the following business day is not past the due-date.

4. What is the penalty if I pay my taxes late?

Taxes that are not paid on time will be subject to a $2.00 minimum or 1.5% interest on unpaid tax for each month the bill goes unpaid - retroactive to the original due date. 

This is per Connecticut State Statute §12-146.

5. When are Real Estate Liens applied?

Real Estate liens by Connecticut State Statute §12-175 must be placed with the Town Clerk no later than 2 years from the first due date.

In Westbrook, "Notice with Intent to Lien" notices are sent out at the beginning of April of each year.  It is for taxes that were due on July 1st of the previous year.

If taxes are not paid by May 30th, a Real Estate Lien will be filed with the Westbrook Town Clerk.

6. I didn't receive my tax bill, what do I do?

It is your responsibility to call the tax collector's office at (860) 399-3043 and obtain your tax bill.  Failure to receive a tax bill does NOT invalidate the bill or any interest which may accrue.  This is per Connecticut State Statute §12-130.

7. I moved, what do I do about my Westbrook taxes?

You must notify the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 48 hours so future tax bills can be sent to your proper (new) address.  

Since taxes are in arrears, you should notify the Westbrook tax office.

Motor Vehicle bills are based on any given October 1.  For example: if you live in Westbrook on October 1st but move to Middletown on October 2nd, you tax bill is due in full to Westbrook.  Failure to receive a tax bill does NOT invalidate the bill or any interest which may accrue.  This is per Connecticut State Statute §12-130.

8. Am I eligible for any tax exemptions?

• If you were /are in the military and think you are entitled to an exemption, OR,
• If you are a senior and have questions about exemptions, please contact the Assessor's office directly at (860) 399-3045.

9. My mortgage has been paid in full and I was escrowing my taxes, what should I do?

If you no longer escrow your taxes, it is your responsibility to notify the tax office and request a bill.  

Banks do not notify the tax office when they are no longer escrowing for any particular property.

10. The DMV won't allow me to register my vehicle, what do I need to do?

Any outstanding taxes must be paid before a vehicle can be registered:

• To immediately release any tax hold, you need to come to the tax office and make payment in cash.  
• If there are outstanding taxes on other vehicles which you own or co-own, they must also be paid to release a tax hold.
• A check is accepted, however, you must wait 14 days for the check to clear the bank for payment to take affect.  
• After a check clears, the tax office notifies the Department of Motor Vehicles weekly regarding payments made.

11. I sold my car and transferred my license plate to another vehicle, what do I need to do?

• You must not ignore a bill which you receive for a vehicle you; no longer own.  If you have transferred license plates from  your old car to a new vehicle, then you should pay the bills as you receive them.  
• Any credit owed for taxes representing your old vehicle will be reflected on the "Motor Vehicle Supplemental Bill" you receive in January.

12. Why am I receiving tax bills for a vehicle I no longer own?

If you sold your car and turned your license plates in at the Department of Motor Vehicles, get a receipt.  The Assessor will need that receipt to adjust your bill to reflect only the months you actually owned the car.  If you lost, or did not keep, your Department of Motor Vehicle receipt, please contact the Assessor's office (860) 399-3045) to discuss what documentation is acceptable to prove you no longer own the vehicle.

13. There are errors on my Automotive tax bill, what do I need to do?

• The information on your tax bill is supplied to the Westbrook Tax Office directly from the Department of Motor Vehicles.  
• To have any information corrected, you will have to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles.

14. What is mill rate?

The mill rate is the amount of tax payable per dollar of the assessed value of a property. 

The mill rate is based on "mills." It is a figure that represents the amount per $1,000 (1/1,000) of the assessed value of property, which is used to calculate the amount of property tax. 

The mill rate is typically set in May of each year following the passage of the annual budget.

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1. Where do I get an absentee Ballot?

At The Town Clerk's Office.  They are available until 4:00 p.m. on Monday November 5, 2018.

2. How can I view real-time election results?

This new State of Connecticut website allows you to view real-time election/primary results for Westbrook and the entire State!

You can also go to : https://www.politico.com/election-results/2018/

3. How do I obtain an Absentee Ballot?

You must first complete the Absentee Ballot Application (Form ED-3) which is available in English and in Spanish.

The form can be obtained in person at the Town Clerk's Office or by going to: https://portal.ct.gov/SOTS/Election-Services/Voter-Information/Absentee-Voting.

Once your application is completed, it must be taken to the Westbrook Town Clerk's Office with your photo ID where you can obtain an absentee ballot.

4. How do I know if I am registered to Vote?

You can contact the Town Clerk's Office at 860-399-3044 or the Registrars of Voters Office at 860-399-3042.

5. Where can I find more information on absentee ballots?

An Absentee Ballot fact sheet can be found by clicking here....

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1. What is the role of a medical social worker?

Patient counseling is an important part of the Medical Social Worker's role. Medical Social Workers lead support group discussions, provide individual counseling, help patients determine appropriate health care and other health services, and provide support to patients with serious or chronic illnesses

2. What is the difference between a social worker and a medical social worker?

The main difference between clinical and direct social workers is what each is legally allowed to do. All social workers can connect clients with resources and offer guidance through difficult situations, but only clinical social workers can provide counseling treatments.

3. Is a medica/clinical social worker a therapist?

While both mental health counselors and clinical social workers must earn a master's level degree, their educational paths will differ. ... Though clinical social workers develop the skills to provide psychotherapy, their job duties differ slightly from counselors.

4. Can a licensed clinical social worker make a diagnosis?

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) usually requires a minimum of a Master's degree in Social Work. 

In most cases LCSW refers only to those licensed by a state board to provide Social Work based mental therapy. 

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker can assess and make clinical evaluations of client's mental health and diagnose mental illness.