Charter commission votes to phase out city sheriff by 2029, keeps constables

The Charter Revision Commission voted Feb. 4 to direct staff to draft language that would phase out the ceremonial office of city sheriff by the 2029 municipal election while retaining constables on the ballot and in practice.

Commissioners described the sheriff’s role in Norwalk as largely ceremonial while constables perform operational functions — serving legal papers, handling tax-lien service and probate actions — and are fee-based, not paid by the city. Commissioner Rick McQuade told the panel that constables “are needed” and that law offices regularly request a list of constables from the city.

Why it matters: removing an elective post from the charter eliminates a ballot office and can simplify administration; phasing is intended to avoid an immediate personnel disruption. Commissioners proposed aligning the phase-out year with an election cycle so an incumbent could finish the current terms.

What the commission decided: after discussion the commission voted unanimously to have staff draft language to phase out the sheriff’s position effective with the 2029 municipal election cycle. Commissioners also decided to retain the constable positions; staff noted constables are fee-based and impose no direct cost to the city while providing services used by the law department and private firms.

Next steps: staff will prepare draft charter language implementing the phase-out and return it for commission review.