Danbury Council authorizes applications for state public-health grants totaling roughly $197,557

The Danbury City Council on July 1 authorized city officials to apply for and accept two state public-health grants totaling about $197,557.

A communication read to the council said the Connecticut Department of Public Health has allocated Danbury $149,597.39 for the 2026 per-capita grant, covering July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, and that there is no local match required. The clerk read the request that the mayor or the director of Health and Human Services be authorized to apply for and accept the funds and to execute contracts necessary to implement the award.

Councilwoman Lupine moved to authorize acceptance of the per-capita funds and Councilman Paul Overtiello seconded; the council approved the motion by voice vote.

Members discussed that a line in the printed agenda had the cents figure listed incorrectly and that the packet had been corrected to $149,597.39. Councilman Rotello pressed whether previously lost childhood-disease prevention funds had been replaced; the clerk reading the communication said they have been reinstated and that the department expects to rehire affected staff.

The council also authorized applying for a Public Health Emergency Preparedness grant of up to $47,960 to support emergency-preparedness staff and training. Councilwoman Wallace Smith moved the measure, which passed by voice vote.

No local match was required for either grant. The council did not attach additional conditions to the approvals; officials said departmental staff will proceed with any required contracts and reporting under standard procurement rules.

Votes at the meeting were taken by voice; the actions were recorded as approved.