Middlebury
Overview
The town of Middlebury, located in New Haven County, was incorporated in 1807 and covers 18 square miles. Middlebury is an attractive residential community with wealth indicators (as measured by per capita income and median home value) above regional and state averages.
Middlebury is primarily a residential community, with residents living in the town and working in surrounding communities. The town encourages appropriate commercial and corporate development, which keeps its tax base diverse and lightens the tax burden on homeowners.
Recreational facilities and year-round cultural events are close by. Post University is a short drive away, offering a variety of adult education and regular degree programs. The town is also home to Woodside Heights, a special housing development for senior citizens living on fixed incomes.
History
The name Middlebury is derived from the central position of the town's meetinghouse, which sits approximately six miles from three of its older neighbors, Waterbury, Southbury, and Woodbury. Winter ecclesiastical privileges, permitting local church services, were established for West Farms, which was originally the southwest portion of Waterbury.
In 1790, West Farms and adjoining portions of Woodbury and Southbury became a distinct ecclesiastical society under the name of Middlebury. Its first petition to the General Assembly for independence from Waterbury was made in 1800. After much opposition, incorporation was granted in October 1807.
Government
The town operates under a town-meeting form of government, with a Board of Selectmen, consisting of three elected members; and a Board of Finance, consisting of six elected members and three alternates appointed by the Board of Selectmen. The Town Meeting, which is the town's legislative body, must approve the annual budget, supplemental appropriations over $10,000, and all bond and note's authorizations.
The First Selectman, elected every two years, is the chief executive and administrator of all town business matters. He/she presides over the Board of Selectmen; has full voting privileges; and is an ex-officio member of all town boards, commissions, and committees. The First Selectman is assisted with his/her financial responsibilities by a Director of Finance and a full-time Assessor and Tax Collector.
Read the Letter from The First Selectman:
