Danbury City Council Ad Hoc Public Works Budget Review - April 15, 2026

The Ad Hoc Committee for Public Works and Other Departments of the Danbury City Council met on April 15, 2026, at 2:15 PM to review the proposed FY2026-27 budgets for recreation, cultural commissions, authorities, public works, water, sewer, and other departments. Chairperson Peter Bazade presided, joined by Councilmembers Ryan Hawley, Diane Lepine, Ben Chinea, and Mike Coello, along with ex officio members and city officials. The committee heard presentations from department heads and concluded with a unanimous vote to recommend the budget as presented.

Discussion Items

• Recreation Department (Sean Ratchford): Ratchford reported three full-time employees and one part-time employee, plus seasonal staff for camp and the lake. Revenue sources included lake income (over $100,000), boat ramp (~$30,000), and summer camp ($404,000 total in FY2025-26). He expressed a goal for the department to break even. A proposed dog park at Hatters Park has plans but no funding source yet. Ratchford outlined his "dream" of a recreation center with a pool and track, acknowledging it may not be feasible. Budget requests included $77,000 for materials and miscellaneous (mayor proposed $275,000) and $10,000 for professional services (first aid/CPR training, ambassador program). Council questions focused on grant opportunities and a list of items for the $77,000 ask.
• Lake Kenosha Commission (Ed Sergi): The commission requested $20,000 for water quality testing (nitrogen, phosphorus, chlorophyll, calcium levels), maintenance of a buffer garden, and monitoring for zebra mussels. The commission recently gained two new members to reach five, enabling a quorum. Councilmember Chinea noted the commission’s testing is separate from the water department’s raw water testing.
• Cultural Commission (Mr. Winseck): The city provides an $84,000 grant to the Cultural Commission, with approximately 54% allocated to sustaining grants for organizations like the music center and concert association, and 5% for new works and artists.
• Danbury Museum (Chief Harold): The museum requested $392,000; the mayor proposed $225,000. Harold stated the amount is insufficient, noting $63,000 of the $225,000 covers basic utilities and insurance. The museum faces deferred maintenance including roof repairs on historic buildings and needs to demolish a dilapidated building at Rogers Park (estimated $10,000). The museum raises additional funds through grants and donations (~$75,000 projected) and rents its hall. Chief of Staff Taylor O'Brien announced the mayor's ball (May 29) will split proceeds 50-50 with the museum.
• Tarrywile Park Authority (Dwayne Perkins, Susan Nolan): The authority requested $290,000 from the city; the mayor proposed $275,000 (flat funded). Total budget is $443,000, with $68,000 from mansion rentals and other income. Volunteer hours, including invasive vine cleanup and Arbor Day events, were valued at over $200,000. Ongoing initiatives include an urban green grant, recreational trails grant, and a CDBG application for drainage improvements. The authority has three part-time employees and nine volunteer board members.
• Public Buildings and School Buildings (Antonio Iderola): Iderola discussed the operating budget for maintenance of city and school buildings, noting an aging infrastructure. The budget includes a new mechanic (Mechanic 3) for public buildings. A $300,000 increase in maintenance/repair and contractual services was attributed to rising costs and union contract settlements. Street lighting costs increased 10% due to rate hikes. Snow removal and shoe allowance adjustments were also covered.
• Highways (Antonio Iderola): Topics included snow and ice removal (budget not increased despite a harsh winter, using reserve salt/sand), sidewalk repairs ($100,000 for minor repairs, plus $80,000 contractual), shoe allowance increase due to new union contract, and street lighting electrical costs up 10%. The city’s biodiesel plant is idle due to expired incentives; fuel costs are under contract but subject to future market risk.
• Engineering (Antonio Iderola): Safety marking funding: $400,000 requested, $100,000 proposed (supplemented by grants and capital). The engineering department has one vacancy and is training two young engineers.
• Construction Services (Antonio Iderola): The department manages capital projects, bridges, and permits. A single employee handles street opening permits, sidewalk inspection, and snow removal enforcement. Coordination with Eversource on restoration is prioritized. The Kennedy Street Bridge has been rebid and contracts are expected to be signed by the end of the week.
• Water Fund (Dave Day): Water rates will increase 10%, sewer rates 5%. A contingency fund of $975,000 (funded by ratepayers) addresses water main breaks and valve replacements. The fund is self-sustaining. Council commended the water department for maintaining low rates and quality despite numerous breaks.
• Sewer Treatment Plant: The sewer fund revenue and expenditures are equal, making the fund self-sufficient. The 5% rate increase is lower than the typical 10%.

Key Outcomes

• The committee voted unanimously (voice vote) to recommend the public works budget as presented, encompassing all discussed line items. The motion was made by Councilman Hawley and seconded by Councilwoman LePine. No opposition was voiced.
• Mayor Roberto Alles and Chief of Staff Taylor O'Brien provided clarifications on funding adjustments, grant applications, and the new mayor's ball partnership with the museum.
• Councilmembers expressed appreciation for department efforts, particularly public works, recreation, and Tarrywile Park volunteer initiatives.