Tax collector becomes appointed position in Cornwall

Selectman Rocco Botto, Selectman Jen Markow, First Selectman Gordon Ridgway and Moderator Scott Cady at Cornwall’s annual town meeting Nov. 1.
Riley Klein

Selectman Rocco Botto, Selectman Jen Markow, First Selectman Gordon Ridgway and Moderator Scott Cady at Cornwall’s annual town meeting Nov. 1.
CORNWALL — The annual town meeting Nov. 1 saw the approval of an ordinance to change the tax collector position from an elected official to an appointed role.
Jean Bouteiller has served in the role for 17 years and will retire in 2025 at the end of her current term. With no qualified residents stepping forward to run in her stead, Bouteiller suggested Cornwall make the change enabling the Board of Selectmen to appoint the next tax collector.
First Selectman Gordon Ridgway noted many other Connecticut towns have already adopted such ordinances due to the increased training and certifications required to serve as tax collector.
Ridgway said the requirements make it “unlikely that there are people out there in [Cornwall’s] electorate that have this training.” He added, “It’s a part time position and there are people out there who do this part time for several towns.”
The motion passed unanimously with all three selectmen and eight residents in attendance voting to approve the ordinance.
Three other items passed unanimously at the town meeting in Cornwall Consolidated School, moderated by Scott Cady.
The 2023-2024 Town Report was reviewed and accepted. Cornwall ended the fiscal year with a surplus as revenues exceeded budgeted amounts by $409,571.
The Five Year Capital Plan was reviewed an accepted. A single line item increased for 2025-2026 in the area of storm damage repairs. An additional $50,000 was allocated to increase reserves.
An amendment was approved to increase the total number of commission members on the Cornwall Conservation Commission from six to eight. The request was submitted by the CCC after three qualified residents stepped forward to fill a single vacant seat.
“We are fortunate to have more people want to be on the commission,” said Ridgway.
The HVRHS boys rejoice around Jackson McAvoy after he scored the game-winning goal against Shepaug with just two minutes left to play.
WASHINGTON — Housatonic Valley Regional High School’s boys varsity soccer team advanced to the Berkshire League tournament final after a 1-0 win over Shepaug Valley High School in the semifinal game on Friday, Oct. 24.
Jackson McAvoy scored the game-winning goal with just two minutes remaining.
The victory marked HVRHS boys soccer’s first victory over Shepaug since 2020.
“Finally,” said HVRHS Coach Adolfo Portillo after the game.
HVRHS will play top-ranked Nonnewaug High School in the BL final. Nonnewaug advanced to the title game by beating Northwestern Regional High School in penalty kicks (4-3) after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The championship game will be played at Nonnewaug beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28.

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Students dressed in neon lined the soccer field for senior night under the lights on Thursday, Oct. 16. The game against Lakeview was the last in a series of competitions Thursday night in celebration of Homecoming 2025.
As homecoming week reaches its end and fall sports finish out the season, an air of school spirit and student participation seems to be on the rise across Housatonic Valley Regional High School.
But what can be attributed to this sudden peak of student interest? That’s largely due to SGA. Also known as the Student Government Association, SGA has dedicated itself to creating events to bring the entire student body together. This year, they decided to change some traditions.
Spirit week from Oct. 14-17 was unlike those of the previous years. From wearing Housatonic merch to Boomer vs Baby day, this year’s spirit week held a little friendly competition to see which grade could participate the most.
“I think that students are bored of the same old activities and events, so it’s good to switch things up even slightly to incentivize interest within students,” said SGA president and senior Mollie Ford. “Plus the point system is super beneficial because it gives students a reason to participate.”
The school spirit sentiment can be seen outside of just the school. Senior Simon Markow is known for his photography throughout the community, and has dedicated time to help Housy sports teams’ social media posts.
“Since I’ve started photography, I think school attendance [at sports games] has gone up,” Markow said. “I feel this year, students will be more aware of games and are more likely to be at the games.”
Whether it’s a pink-out volleyball game or an under the lights soccer match, it’s likely you’ll see some familiar faces.
Social media has played a large role in this over the years. Almost every student organization at Housatonic has an Instagram account, and it’s helped reach students more efficiently than a poster or email would.
“The increase of social media use, with the help from me but as well as the teams themselves has definitely increased student interest,” Markow said. “With Housy teams posting more about their upcoming games, and my help showing the cool goals, spikes, or touchdowns, it’s enlightened students to watch the games themselves.”
In a small school, promoting pride has proven to be a challenge. But this year’s senior class has made some adjustments in the hopes to change that.
“The SGA community has spent the last few years really focusing on student participation, because we think it’s the students who contribute to a better climate,” Ford said. While Housatonic’s student body may be small in size, it seems they certainly aren’t small in spirit.