Danbury City Budget Ad Hoc Committee approves Government II departmental budgets

The Danbury City Budget Ad Hoc Committee approved the Government II departmental budgets on April 14, 2026, following a review that highlighted expanded tax-recovery efforts, a constable-driven collections program, higher maintenance costs for city software and rising pension expenses.

Chair Andrea Gartner opened the meeting at 5:06 p.m. and committee members and city department leaders discussed line-item changes across purchasing, human resources, tax assessment and collection, information technology, pensions and contingency transfers. Purchasing Agent Chick Volpe told the panel the higher purchasing threshold “has been very helpful,” saving time and money, and Finance Director Dan Garrick explained transfers to the Animal Control Fund and the Capital Fund included in the proposed financing plan.

Tax Assessor Donna Murphy described the Capital Tax Recovery program, initiated under a 2022 contract, which began collections in July 2023 and now averages about $20,000 to $30,000 per month (roughly $300,000 annually). Murphy said the vendor implementing the program receives 40% of collected revenue and flagged ongoing limits in staffing for field inspections. Tax Collector Shawn Dvaz said the office began using constables for enforcement and collection; constables brought in $1.3 million last year and are paid a 15% fee. Dvaz said the program targets delinquent real estate, personal property and some motor vehicle bills and that sewer and water collections could be added later.

Information Technology Director Frank Gentile said the maintenance and software-support line has increased substantially, with cited figures rising from $780,000 to $1.13 million and then to $1.48 million in successive budget entries. He attributed the increases to integration, licensing, support and cybersecurity tools and noted that licensing tends to rise about 3%–5% annually. Gentile confirmed that planned hardware purchases remain in the capital budget and that a planned live video feed is ready on the city side pending Comcast’s completion.

On employee costs, Garrick said pension expenses have increased about 7% since the city moved to a self-insured plan and described the trend as claims-driven; neighboring towns have, he said, been reporting increases near 15%. The budget also includes amounts to reflect ongoing labor negotiations with the DMEA and grievance-related adjustments; city staff said police-union negotiations are largely complete and accounted for in the proposal.

Garrick said the procurement process for independent auditors is expected to begin by June 1 and noted audit expenses are allocated among the City, utilities, pension budgets and the Board of Education. Mayor Roberto Alves confirmed a previously allocated 3% salary increase for the City Treasurer, effective Dec. 1, 2025 and July 1, 2026. Committee members thanked staff for work on grant oversight and for implementing information-security policies.

Member John Laughinghouse moved to accept the Government II departmental budgets as presented; Member Mia Spain-Reichl seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Member Spain-Reichl then moved to adjourn, seconded by Member Dennis Perkins, and the meeting ended at 6:23 p.m.