The Newtown Legislative Council has signed off on funding for part of a public safety project.  During their meeting earlier this month, the Council was asked to approve $2.5 million in bonding for the emergency radio system upgrade for first responders.  Under the Governor's executive orders, the Legislative Council can vote on items, rather than holding a referendum. 

First Selectman Dan Rosenthal told the group that the balance of the funding for the project, $5 million, does not need to be voted on immediately, and can go to the voters on the November Presidential election ballot, or next April.  In making the case for initial passage, Rosenthal said he believed taxpayers will support the upgrades since the implications of not completing the project brings consequences that could negatively affect virtually any resident or visitor in need of emergency assistance. 

Until the new equipment is authorized, purchased, ordered, and installed, taxpayers would still have to pay for the dispatch center to be open and operating at its present Town Hall South location when the new police headquarters open.