Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton has officially declared a “state of emergency” in the city as the number of coronavirus cases in the state exceeds 40.  This declaration will allow the City to access federal funds when they become available.

Danbury City Hall is taking several precautions until further notice.  Residents and visitors must call ahead and schedule an appointment with a department before entering any City Hall office. Appointments are available between 10am – 4pm.  Departments will be providing essential services only. For example, if an issue can be resolved via phone or email, staff will assist remotely.  Employment applications for the Human Resources Department can be placed in the drop box by the front door. Applications will be available in the lobby. 

Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi says this is being done to increase separation and create more social distancing to protect all community members. 

The Newtown Municipal Center is now only open on an appointment basis. 

The Bethel municipal center is also closed to the public for all walk in visits. Persons needing to access town services are encouraged to conduct business online, by telephone, by fax or by USPS mail.  For residents who must come to town hall to transact business, Bethel officials are asking to call ahead to the department for an appointment. 

The Tax Collector's office will remain open for payment of utility and tax bills during normal business hours. The tax office has a secure glass barrier between staff and public areas that makes this possible, and this area is being cleaned with antibacterial agents several times per day.  But the use of mail or online services is strongly encouraged. 

Bethel officials say department heads have the right to refuse service to any person who is exhibiting symptoms of illness, regardless of whether or not an appointment has been made.  They also have the right to refuse face-to-face appointments for any transactions which, in the department head's discretion, may be successfully transacted via telephone or video conference.