BETHEL — The effects of federal sequestration have reached this town.

A letter was received from the state treasurer’s office, Town Manager Jim Doar told selectmen at their most recent meeting. It said the state office had heard from the U.S. Forest Service that because of sequestration that took effect in March, 5.1 percent of federal payments have since been cut from the federal budget, Doar said.

“You received a check for $13.83 from the Forest Service,” the letter said.

Said Doar, “They want 70 cents back.”

The town’s options were to send a check or have the amount deducted from its next state revenue-sharing payment.

“What is your pleasure?” Doar asked the selectmen with a smile.

“Make them squirm,” Pat Carter said.

“Send 75 cents to throw off their accounting,” suggested Peter Southam.

“Just handle it,” Donald Bennett said.

Doar said he would.