Board of Assessment Appeals

The Board of Assessment Appeals is responsible for hearing and ruling on appeals brought forth by property owners regarding the assessment values of their properties. Property owners are entitled to have a fair assessment of their property used to determine property taxes. At the same time, the town must be assessing properties accurately in order to generate revenue. Meetings are held monthly.

Board of Education

The Board of Education is responsible for ensuring all state laws are followed relative to education. Equally as important, they are responsible for developing the budget for Region #12, where $.55 of every tax dollar in Washington is spent. Board members are elected to 4 year terms and meetings are held typically once per month. There are additional sub committees that members are a part of that also meet throughout the month.

Board of Finance

The Board of Finance is responsible for the fiscal running of the town. In conjunction with the Board of Selectmen, a budget is proposed and sent for public vote. The Board of Finance ensures that tax dollars are being handled and spent appropriately. The Board meets monthly, but there are more frequent meetings in the early spring when the budget is being developed.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen are responsible for every aspect of the running of Washington. The Board is comprised of the First Selectmen (a full time paid position) and two Selectmen (a part time stipend position). Together they work to develop a budget, handle projects and development of the town, oversee the various departments, appoint townspeople to commissions and boards, and hire and manage personnel. Meetings are held every other week and more often as needed.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals hears applications and grants variances from the Zoning Regulations for properties facing an unusual hardship. The board also hears appeals where there is allegation of error in the order, requirements or decisions made by the officials responsible for the enforcement of the regulations. Meetings are held monthly.

Zoning Commission

The Zoning Commission is responsible for the Zoning Regulations which guide the building, structure and use of properties.  They also issue special permits for new structures and buildings, remodeling, outdoor lighting and commercial use.  Meetings are held monthly. 

Building and Property Commission

The Building and Property Commission is tasked with reviewing, recommending and overseeing improvements to town owned buildings and properties. Meetings are held monthly.

Historic District Committee

Municipal historic districts in Connecticut are authorized exclusively through Chapter 97a of the Connecticut General Statutes. Historic districts are placed under the jurisdiction of the commission, which is a full-fledged land use agency of the town, and exercises powers comparable to the zoning commission, wetlands commission and a zoning board of appeals. Meetings are held monthly.

Judea Cemetery Commission

The Judea Cemetery is a town owned cemetery and the commission ensures it is maintained and managed appropriately.

Parks and Recreation Committee

The Parks and Rec Committee maintains the local parks and facilities and organizes activities, concerts, camps, field trips and classes for all ages. The Parks and Rec Coordinator (part time paid position) carries out the committee’s plans. Meetings are held monthly.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission is an advisory commission that makes recommendations to Zoning, Inland Wetlands and Planning commissions on development, conservation, supervision and regulation of natural resources. Meetings are held monthly.

Housing Commission

The Washington Housing Commission was established with the intent of creating a template to study, analyze, and prioritize the housing needs, both current and long term of the Town of Washington's citizenry, and to recommend and facilitate the accomplishment of the comprehensive housing policies and goals. Meetings are held monthly.

Lake Waramaug Authority

The Lake Waramaug Authority is comprised of members from Washington, Warren and Kent. They oversee all matters concerning the lake including water quality, boating regulations and checking for invasives.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission develops a Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) every 5 years that puts in writing the goals and vision for the town. It is a guiding document for the other committees and commissions in their decisions on matters. The Planning Commission is also responsible for approving subdivisions and scenic road designations. Meetings are held monthly.

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee is comprised of members of various commissions, members of the Washington Business Association (WBA), volunteers, community representatives and the Economic Development Coordinator (a paid part time position.) Recognizing the changing social and economic character of Northwest CT, the committee works to assure the social and economic well-being of Washington and carry out the Washington Plan of Conservation and Development. Meetings are held monthly.

Inland Wetlands Commission

The Inland Wetlands Commission regulates the activities within 100 feet of wetlands or watercourses. Through a permitting process and site visits, the commission reviews activities such as cutting trees, grading, paving, excavation, filling, depositing or removing of material, discharging storm water, building, and all septic work within 100 feet of wetlands, ensuring any disturbance to the wetlands is minimized. Meetings are held every other week and site visits are necessary as well.

Sustainability Committee

The Sustainability Committee is a sub group of the Planning Commission and carries out Chapter 5 of the POCD, which focuses on the social, environmental and economic sustainability of Washington. Meetings are held monthly.