Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves' Newsletter For April 2024

**News Release Submitted by Danbury Mayor Roberto L. Alves**

April 30, 2024

Dear Danbury Residents,

I’m glad to share the key highlights of my proposed budget for the upcoming 2024 - 2025 fiscal year, which will be voted on at the next City Council meeting on May 7th. This budget was crafted with Danbury residents’ needs in mind and aims to enhance public safety, invest in infrastructure, support education, and ensure fiscal responsibility.

I’ve always been committed to prioritizing the safety of our community. This budget includes an 8 percent increase in Public Safety and Emergency Services, enabling us to strengthen our Police and Fire Departments, hire additional personnel, and invest in technology for more efficient emergency responses.

Maintaining our infrastructure is also critical, and with the proposed Public Works budget, we’re ensuring our parks, roads, waterways, and utilities remain in good condition. We’re also continuing to advocate in Hartford for municipal aid. And, with existing and future federal and state funds on top of the budget, we can continue to enhance our infrastructure and make Danbury more resilient.

Education is a cornerstone of our community, so I’ve proposed a $10 million increase to Danbury Public Schools, offset facility maintenance and debt services in the City’s budget. In addition, Danbury Public Schools will receive a $7.5 million increase in state funding. We continue to work with our partners at the state level to advocate for tens of millions of dollars for our schools.

Keeping our taxes low and ensuring responsible fiscal management is the cornerstone of my administration. With a proposed mill rate below the ten-year average, we’re keeping taxes low and minimizing the burden on taxpayers while efficiently managing resources.

One of my promises is to enhance transparency, efficiency, communication, and community engagement in Danbury and I’m proud of the strides my Administration has taken in our first four months to do just that.

Below are the highlights of the proposed FY 2024 - 2025 budget. You can download a full copy of the proposed budget by clicking this link or by visiting www.Danbury-ct.gov.

I hope you’ll take the time to read more about the budget and review the city and community announcements and updates. If you know someone who should receive this newsletter, forward this email and encourage them to sign up for updates here.

Sincerely,

Mayor Roberto L. Alves