Flooding, Buses Re-routing, Possible Property Tax Increase, Whiz Kid

The Farmington River in Simsbury reached 15.1 feet today and river levels are falling just in time for more anticipated rain Thursday into Friday morning. The rain storm is anticipated to bring in another 3 to 5 inches of water. Better get those kayaks ready. Town Council Chairman Mark Zacchio did say he once kayaked over the goal posts at Fisher Meadows when the fields were previously flooded.

Speaking of the water over Fisher Meadows, Avon Old Farms Road, Tillotson Road and Secret Lake Road remain closed and the town may start clearing what it can of the water Wednesday. Check out photos of the flooding, and see more on Thursday in Avon Patch's weekly Viewfinder. Upload your flooding photos to Patch or e-mail them to Jessie.Sawyer@patch.com.

Many buses have had to re-route because of the closed roads, and were delayed from 10-30 minutes on Monday. There may be more delays to and from school, but by now the bus drivers are getting used to the detoured routes.

Town Manager Brandon Robertson announced at the Town Council meeting on Monday that based on current revenue and expenditure calculations, property taxes could rise by 4.09 percent in fiscal year 2011-12. That is assuming that the proposed budget is approved and the revenue predictions stay steady. That number could change and the mill rate may also be adjusted depending on the final budget that is approved.

Wednesday's first submitted Patch Whiz Kid is 6th-grader Benjamin Berman, who has spearheaded recycling efforts at Thompson Brook School and was named as an Avon Achiever in February. To nominate your child for Patch Whiz Kid, e-mail Jessie.Sawyer@patch.com with the nominee's name, age/grade, accomplishment and key to success, as well as a JPEG photograph.