The Danbury City Council has approved a $244 million budget.  The vote was 15 to 6, with all six Democrats voting in opposition.

Danbury has deferred hiring 45 positions, saving $500,000 in the coming fiscal year's budget.  Mayor Mark Boughton says each department will be given an efficiency and savings goal, senior staff could get raises if the goal is met.  Currently, Danbury has $23 million in the Fund Balance.  The new budget reduces the use of the fund balance from $1.8 million to $750,000.  No one time revenues are used to balance the budget.

There is a 2.95 percent increase in sewer and water rates so that infrastructure improvements can be made to both systems.  Danbury is also preparing for state and federal mandated upgrades for phosphorus removal.  Boughton says it's a $65 million to $70 million expenditure for needed upgrades to the sewage plant.

A home valued at $275,000 will see an increase of less than $8 a month with the new mill rate.  Boughton touted Danbury having the lowest unemployment rate in the state, being the safest city in Connecticut and having among the lowest property tax rates in the state.

Despite the cost cutting in municipal spending, Danbury is increasing the City's contribution to the school.  Boughton says that's because of a significant positive trend in student test scores over the years.  He points to $55 million being spent at Danbury High School in the coming months for renovating the auto shop, constructing new front to the school, making roof repairs and building an addition to serve as the new Freshman Academy.

Boughton says the City is making difficult choices now, in order to avoid drastic measures later which are currently seen in other municipalities.

The City Council unanimously approved $3 million in capital projects.  The largest appropriation is $750,000 for the school roof replacement program. 

$500,000 is being allocated for the Still River project, including for the removal of vegetation, dredging and river wall repair.  $450,000 for paving, drainage and road improvements along with $100,000 for sidewalk and street improvements was approved. 

Other projects include HVAC replacement at the schools and various city buildings, money toward property revaluation and replacing highway department equipment.