Charter Revision Commission
Regular MeetingNorwalk, CT · April 1, 2025
Minutes
CITY OF NORWALK
CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
APRIL 1, 2025
ATTENDANCE: Tyler Fairbairn, Chair; Douglas Hempstead, Vice Chair; Carl Dickens,
John Levin
Via Zoom: Jim Clark, Richard McQuaid, Tanya Rhodes-Small; Atty. Ed
Camacho (6:36 p.m.)
OTHERS: Moina Noor, Norwalk Library Board Chair; Atty. Steven Mednick,
consultant (7:00 p.m.); Jared Schmitt, Financial Director.
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Fairbairn called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
ROLL CALL
[0:20]
The roll was called. A quorum was present.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
A. Regular Meeting: March 18, 2025
** MR. HEMPSTEAD MOVED THE MINUTES OF THE MARCH 28, 2025 MEETING.
The following corrections/changes were noted:
Page 1, under ATTENDANCE, please change “John Levine” to “John Levin” .
Page 1, under ATTENDANCE, please move “Tanya Rhodes-Small” from the in person list to
the “Via Zoom” listing.
Page 2, paragraph 5, line 1, please change “Charter does not authority the BET” to
“Charter does not authorize the BET”
Page 2, paragraph 5, line 3: please change “proposed language is a “recommend a cap” to
proposed language is “recommend a cap”.
Page 4, paragraph 10, line 1: please change “be nice, t would” to “be nice, it would”
** THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MARCH 18, 2025 MEETING
AS CORRECTED PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
City of Norwalk
Charter Revision Commission
Regular Meeting
April 1, 2025 Page 1
Atty. Camacho joined the meeting at 6:36 p.m.
IV. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
[3:00]
Ms. Moina Noor of Pequot Drive greeted the Commissioners. She stated that she was present to
speak as Chairperson of the Norwalk Public Library Board of Directors, she wished to comment
about the City Charter in reference to the Library governance. She sent a letter in advance.
Historically, the Library Director has been appointed through a collaborative effort between the
Board of Directors and the Mayor. This partnership has worked well in the past. She outlined the
previous process and noted that the Mayor would make the final decision for the Public Library.
The Library Board is appointed by the Mayor and the Taxing Districts. The Board members
understand the Library’s specific needs while the Mayor’s Chief Executive makes the final
hiring decision. It works effectively, aligns with the Connecticut State statute on Library
Governance, follows Connecticut Library Board best practices and mirrors how most Library
Directors are hired in Connecticut, including Fairfield and New Haven. She noted that Atty.
Mednick had worked with the Town of Fairfield when they revised their Charter.
However, in 2023, in an effort to standardize mayoral appointments, the Library Board was
removed from this important function. Both the Mayor and Council Member Burnett were not in
favor of this change. Section 8.2 now grants sole appointment authority to the Mayor with
Common Council approval. This means that the Library board that oversees Library policy,
planning and facilities now has no formal stated role in selecting the Director they work most
closely with.
Ms. Noor said that she has complete confidence in the current administration, there are long term
implications. Libraries are facing increasing politicization nationwide and their role as neutral
centers for knowledge and community engagement becomes even more critical. The
Mayor/Board partnership helps to safe guard the neutrality, particularly if the Board faces an
administration with a narrower perspective.
She said they were recommending two additional changes: first, clarifying the reporting structure
to specify that the Library Director reports to the Board on matters of Library policy and to the
City on administrative matters, which reflects the hybrid nature of this position, and secondly,
updating budget preparation procedure to formalize that the Library Board works with the
Director to prepare an advisory budget for submission to both the BET and the Director of
Community Services. This better aligns with the current management.
These important changes will help to ensure that the Library system maintains its excellence and
independence for years to come.
City of Norwalk
Charter Revision Commission
Regular Meeting
April 1, 2025 Page 2
Mr. Fairbairn said that the Commission had received Ms. Noor’s comments and would be
checking with Atty. Mednick since some of the items appear to be ordinance related. [6:35] This
will be placed on a future agenda.
Ms. Diane Lauricella greeted the Commissioners and thanked them for allowing her to
participate virtually. [7:01]. She applauds the tenacity to make these changes that will be voted
in the future.
She said that under Title 10, Budget Public Fund, under the Board of Estimate and Taxation,
which appears to be 1-c-2, public engagement, based upon her experience the other night and in
other years, she felt that once the BET has a public hearing, it should not be the night when the
BET votes on that budget. She felt that last week’s hearing was offensive in terms of the purpose
of the public hearing. The BET voted on the Operating budget after extensive public interest
from more than just the BOE parents and decided to cast away almost all of the public
comments. Most of the comments were well thought out and spoken from both the heart and the
head. Two BET members did not vote that night but the remaining Board members did vote.
She would like to see this codified in the Charter and work it out in the scheduling that the BET
cannot vote on the Operating Budget along with the Common Council on the Capital Budget on
the same night as the final public hearing.
Ms. Lauricella said that Norwalk should have an elected Board of Estimate and Taxation, but if
this is not possible, one of the elected officials should have some influence other than the Mayor
on the BET appointments.
She said that the $1.1 million dollars for the “puny” parcel at Lockwood Mathews Mansion,
should not have been allowed by the BET. On page 9, 10-13 said it was reviewed by the
Planning and Zoning. The public hearing was kind of a joke because all they cared about is
whether it was germane to the POCD. She suggested that the Commission consider changing
P&Z’s role back to monetary oversight.
Regarding 10-21, where it states as many as public hearing as deemed necessary, Ms. Lauricella
said that the various bodies should have more than one public hearing. It is the taxpayers who
pay the freight.
Ms. Lauricella thanked the Commission and said that the BET needs to be reined in and
suggested that the Chairman might possibly need to resign based on the way he treated Ms. Yang
more than once when she had a number of suggestions.
Mr. Fairbairn asked if anyone else wished to speak. [10:47] No one responded.
Mr. Dickens asked how many people were in attendance at the BET Public Hearing. [11:10]
City of Norwalk
Charter Revision Commission
Regular Meeting
April 1, 2025 Page 3
Ms. Lauricella said that there was a lack of proper permission on the Zoom call and in Norwalk
the public does not know how many people are there. [11:22] IT would be able to tell how many
people were there. A number of people were present in person, but IT does not allow the call in
speakers to be seen on screen.
Atty. Camacho said that he was present at the hearing since he is a member of the BET. [12:20]
He estimated that there were 30 to 40 people there. He said that he knew it was not the
Commissioners role to comment on Public Comments, but would like to provide some context to
what happened at that meeting, since he was one of the two members who did not vote because
he was offended by the notion that they would vote the same night.
Mr. Fairbairn thanked the participants. [13:22] He said that they would wait on the BET
discussion until Atty. Mednick was present and therefore would start a discussion on Agenda
Item V.
V. NEW BUSINESS
• Proposed Changes
1. Referendum, changes to section 4-10 A, 4-10 B & D
2. BET accountability, changes to section 7-2 A(2)
3. Democracy, Fairness of Elections and Representation of Minority Parties,
changes to section 3-3A
4. Police Commission Accountability and Governance, changes to section 7-2
B(1)(a)
Mr. Levin said that he had submitted four proposals and the first item, had two parts. [14:25] He
noted that the Council would be receiving the recommendations and determine which ones will
be on the ballot.
The first item addresses the procedure for referendums. This had been tabled at an earlier
meeting. He asked if anyone had not had the chance to read the three page summary of the four
proposals. Atty. Camacho said that he had not had the chance to read them.
Mr. Levin directed everyone to Section 4-10 and explained that based on an earlier discussion he
had changed the percentage of the voters would be changed from not less than 8% to not less
than 4%. He said that the current requirement was a very high hurdle. The number of voter
signatures and address would then be 2,619. To petition oneself onto the ballot for Mayor or
Council Member would require only 156 signatures to get on the ballot.
Changing the percentage from 8% to 4% for a referendum was the first part of the first proposal.
The second part involved changing an overly restrictive language regarding number of electors
that must begin the petition electors from 5 to 4 and increase the required fee from $25 to $200
and increase the number of days for collecting signatures from 25 to 40 days.
City of Norwalk
Charter Revision Commission
Regular Meeting
April 1, 2025 Page 4
** MR. DICKENS REMOVED SECTION 4-10 FROM THE TABLE.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
** MR. LEVIN MOVED REVISION #1, PART 1 TO CHANGE SECTION 4-10
REGARDING PROCEDURES. THE REQUIRED PERCENTAGE OF “UPON A
PETITION OF NOT LESS THAN 8% OF THE ELECTORS ” TO “UPON A PETITION
OF NOT LESS 4% OF THE ELECTORS” IN SECTION 4-10 A.
Mr. Dickens asked for confirmation that this proposal was to make it easier to get a referendum
on the ballot. [21:10] Mr. Levin said that he believed it would make it slightly more possible.
Mr. Dickens asked how many referendums there were in the last 10 years. [21:32] Mr. McQuaid
said that the only referendum was for the Charter and he had not seen any others at all as Town
Clerk.
Atty. Camacho said that Mr. Levin had mentioned that Danbury had a lower threshold and asked
if they knew if there were any referenda in the last ten years. [22:20]
Mr. Levin explained that Atty. Mednick had previously mentioned that New Haven had not had
a citizen’s referenda in about 40 years. Norwalk did not have a citizen referendum during
roughly the same time period. [22:45] Discussion followed about why there have not been any
during the past years.
Mr. Hempstead said that in his years on the Council the calls for a referendum usually happens
when something egregious happens or economic tough times. [26:48] He felt that it happens less
on a local level because there are fewer issues. He had no problem with Mr. Levin’s proposal
because he thought that a referendum would not be proposed unless something egregious
happened. This will not make it too easy that it could be done in the back room.
Mr. Levin clarified that the signatures would have to have addresses included and the Town
Clerk could disqualify any one of those signatures. [28:55] Based on the 2024 registrations, 4%
of 65,562 would equal 2,619 signatures. The discussion moved to the number of signature
collection days. Mr. Levin said that his goal was to expand democracy but did not expect much
of a response. However, he felt 8% was an insult and that 4% would still be a challenge, but
possible.
Atty. Mednick joined the meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Mr. McQuaid said he agreed with the 4% but not the change from 25 days to 40 days. [30:33]
There isn’t that much wiggle room and now there are more things coming to play such as early
voting, absentee voting and 25 days should be sufficient.
City of Norwalk
Charter Revision Commission
Regular Meeting
April 1, 2025 Page 5
Mr. McQuaid said that the form already has a requirement for the individuals who sign to print
their addresses. Often the Town Clerks can’t read the signatures and many get tossed because of
illegibility and other irregularities such as duplicates.
Mr. Dickens asked what it might cost to hold a referendum. [32:25] Mr. McQuaid said that with
the security, the police and the schools, he thought a citywide election would be between
$20,000 to $23,000.
Atty. Camacho said that it would be too premature to vote on an item because it has become
moot or other statutory considerations. [32:52] It would be important to have language in the
Charter that other statutory time frames or State or local deadlines could moot out a referendum.
Mr. Levin said reminded everyone that the only change he was proposing at this time was the
change from 8% to 4%. [34:00] The second part of the proposal discusses the number of electors
and signature periods. He separated them out for this reason.
The discussion moved to the copies of the Charter that Ms. Murrillo sent to the Commissioner
and what language was used for that section.
Mr. Levin said that his proposals were on pages 18, 19 and 20 and reviewed the current
language.
Atty. Camacho asked about the time limits that might render a referendum moot. [35:25] Mr.
Levin said his only point was the change from 8% to 4%.
Atty Camacho said that Mr. Levin’s comments make it sound like the current process is not
democratic but pointed out that the residents vote every two years for Common Council
members. [36:42] In Congress, the House Representatives run for re-election every two years.
He went on to speak about California’s recall provision for governors and this can be
undemocratic. He said his concern was perceived lack of democracy and the democratic process
was not available to the electorate.
Mr. Levin said that this was the only opportunity for direct democracy where citizens can pursue
their issue. [38:50] Mr. Fairbairn said that the public has the opportunity to speak at the Council.
Discussion followed about the details.
Mr. Dickens asked Atty. Mednick if it would be possible to limit the number of referendums that
could be called for within a given year or a given election cycle. [41:10] He explained that his
concern was the cost of a referendum.
Mr. Hempstead pointed out that there have been a number of communities that have complained
that the elections cost too much. He asked whether the goal was to increase participation or to
lower the cost of the election.
City of Norwalk
Charter Revision Commission
Regular Meeting
April 1, 2025 Page 6
Mr. Fairbairn said that they had discussed this enough to determine whether they wished to
support it through a vote. [44:10].
Atty. Camacho reminded everything that the upcoming election was not a primary and often
times they only get about 600 people coming in to vote. [44:40] He said that it seemed like a
solution that was looking for a problem.
Atty. Mednick said that he had never researched the issue of limiting the number of referenda but
had seen some limits on budget referenda in some communities [45:20] Since these referenda are
limited and specialized, it would be difficult to limit the number. If the goal is to increase the
amount of participation and increase access, limiting the number may have some legal challenges
since there is no way to know what issues may come up during the year. He said that putting a
limit might be a problem.
Atty. Mednick noted that determining when the referendum takes place would be up to the
Council. [46:30] He added that there was a newspaper publication requirement and it was Atty.
Mednick’s understanding that the City was trying to move away from newspaper publications
requirements. He recommend that they be consistent and have the notification as the same as
other matters.
Mr. Levin said that he would like to respond to Atty. Camacho’s suggested that a small number
of voters could pass a referendum. [47:30] He noted that in the Charter there was a requirement
for at least 25% of the electors in the city must cast a ballot in request to qualify for approval.
For Norwalk, that would require 16, 367 voters to turn out. He was not proposing any changes to
that.
** THE MOTION TO APPROVE REVISION #1, PART 1 TO CHANGE SECTION 4-10
REGARDING PROCEDURES. THE REQUIRED PERCENTAGE OF “UPON A
PETITION OF NOT LESS THAN 8% OF THE ELECTORS ” TO “UPON A PETITION
OF NOT LESS 4% OF THE ELECTORS” IN SECTION 4-10 A PASSED WITH SIX (6)
IN FAVOR (CLARK, DICKENS, HEMPSTEAD, LEVIN, MCQUAID AND RHODES-
SMALL); ONE (1) OPPOSED (CAMACHO) AND ONE (1) ABSTENTION
(FAIRBAIRN).
Mr. Levin said that Part 2, Item 1, would be a proposed changes to Section 4-10 B & D. [50:00]
This would be to reduce the threshold of five electors going to the clerk in the city down to four
and to increase the fee that they must pay the City Clerk from $25.00 to $200.00 and finally to
change the number of days to collect signatures from 25 to 45 days.
Mr. McQuaid said that he had concern about changing the 25 days to 45 days. [50:45] Mr. Clark
also expressed concerns about this change. He said that he would not support these changes
because there needs to be more thought put into it and it would be premature at this point.
City of Norwalk
Charter Revision Commission
Regular Meeting
April 1, 2025 Page 7
Atty Camacho proposed that they change the number of electors to 4 and felt that increasing the
fee would deter more people than it would encourage to apply. He felt that it should remain at
$25.00 and the number of signatory days remain at 25.
Mr. McQuaid agreed with Atty. Camacho.[53:30] He said that there had not been a referendum
since he was in office, he was not sure where the $25.00 would be deposited. He would support
the change from 5 to 4, and would like to see the days remain unchanged. Mr. Fairbairn agreed.
** THE MOTION TO APPROVE PART 2 AS AMENDED WITH THE NUMBER OF
ELECTORS GOING FROM FIVE (5) TO FOUR (4) PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
The next item addresses accountability for the Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) with a
change to Section 7-2, Item A, paragraph 2. [55:30] This would change the appointing authority
for the six members for the BET from all six being appointed by the Mayor to three being
appointed by the Mayor and three being appointed by the Council. He said that this was based on
some of the comments from the public who feel the BET is not sufficiently representative. There
are many Council Members and former Council Members who feel the budgeting should be in
the hands of the Council and not the BET. This would be a step in that direction.
Mr. Levin then read the language of the current language and where the proposed change should
be inserted [56:30] Atty. Camacho pointed out that currently, the Mayor recommends the
candidates and the Council confirms them. He wished to know if the Mayor would recommend
three and the Council would approve those three and then the Council would recommend three
and the Mayor would approve the Council’s recommendations.
Mr. Levin said that was not what he was proposing. [57:55] He said that the Charter Commission
was appointed by the Council and it does not require approval from the Mayor.
Atty. Camacho said he wanted to table the item because the membership of the BET should not
only include members of the Republican and Democratic party and unaffiliated, but should also
represent each District in the City.
Atty. Camacho said that he did not believe that the Charter included language so that every
District in the City was represented on the BET. Until that issue is addressed, Atty. Camacho
wished to table the discussion regarding who would appoint whom.
Mr. Dickens asked how the BET membership number was determined to be six. [59:24] Atty.
Camacho said that he didn’t know but explained that no more than two members can be from the
same District and there has to be a significant minority party representation on the Board. Since
the Mayor is an ex-officio member, he can break a tie vote. He noted that the City of New York
had disbanded their BET because they found it did not represent the entire city.
City of Norwalk
Charter Revision Commission
Regular Meeting
April 1, 2025 Page 8
Atty. Camacho said he found it undemocratic that the BET decides what the mill rate will
ultimately be and felt that because of this, the Board should have at least one member from every
District.
Mr. Dickens agreed with him and added that the members should be elected and not appointed
[1:01:15]
** ATTY. CAMACHO MOVED TO TABLE THE ITEM BECAUSE THE
MEMBERSHIP OF THE BET SHOULD NOT ONLY INCLUDE MEMBERS OF THE
REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC PARTY AND UNAFFILIATED, BUT SHOULD
ALSO REPRESENT EACH DISTRICT IN THE CITY.
** THE MOTION TO TABLE PASSED WITH PASSED WITH SEVEN (7) IN FAVOR
(CAMACHO CLARK, DICKENS, FAIRBAIRN, HEMPSTEAD, MCQUAID AND
RHODES-SMALL) AND ONE (1) OPPOSED (LEVIN).
Mr. Dickens asked when the group would discuss holding a public hearing about having an
elected BET. [1:02:45] Mr. Fairbairn said that they would see how much progress they would
make on the Article 10 revision. He added that he would be added an item about the Library as a
stand-alone item. He said that they would need to discuss the BET. Mr. Dickens said that if they
stopped people on the street to ask them if they knew what the BET does, they would not know.
Atty. Mednick said that he had provided the Commissioners with a background document for
this meeting. [1:04:19] The document lays out the structure of the only two BETs groups in
Connecticut and noted that the Board of Finance basic structures of the top 20 communities in
the State were also included. Mr. Fairbairn said that they would have this as a stand-alone
discussion soon.
Atty. Camacho said that when Ms. Lauricella spoke earlier in the meeting, he had said he wished
to clarify the BET vote. [1:05:00] He explained that he had been on the BET for a long time and
could not remember a time when the Board voted the same night on the Operating Budget
following the Public Hearing. He said that this time around, the statute required the BET to set
tentative budget by April 1st. This is a tentative budget and Atty. Camacho said he was assured
by the Mayor and the Finance Director that the BET could still vote on open items. Many of
those issues were mentioned by the public at the hearing. In past years, the BET would come in
under the cap and he went on to give examples of how discussions were held after the Public
Hearing. This year, the proposed budget was right at the cap. There was no wiggle room. He
explained that if they were to give a department any additional funding, they would have to
subtract the same amount from another department because they were right at the Common
Council’s cap. It was unfortunate that it appeared that BET didn’t care about what the public had
to say. They had to vote because the statute required them to have a tentative budget by April 1st.
The comments that were made at the public hearing will be considered but he reminded everyone
that any additional approvals would require a matching decrease from another department.
City of Norwalk
Charter Revision Commission
Regular Meeting
April 1, 2025 Page 9
Mr. Levin said that Proposal #2 [1:08:38] has been tabled, but the suggestions made by Mr.
Camacho and Mr. Dickens, the Commission should consider changes that would require changes
to represent each district on the BET or the election of the BET members. He encouraged people
to check the Charter language and propose changes. He said that while he respects what lawyers
do, there is no magic or science in what they do and the Commission members can propose
changes.
Mr. Dickens asked Atty. Camacho about the four year term for the BET members. [1:09:48]
Atty. Camacho said that this was so. Mr. Dickens asked where this decision came from. Atty.
Camacho said that he believed the terms were staggered in order to give a sense of stability. It
takes a few years to get up to speed on the BET. With staggered terms, there is always some
institutional knowledge on the Commission. He said that he suspected this is why both the BET
and the BOE have the staggered four year terms.
Mr. Dickens said that he didn’t disagree but this also lent credence to having the Common
Council and the Mayor have four year terms. [1:11:25] Mr. Hempstead added that it was
staggered because when a new Mayor was elected, it would take him a full two years to get a
majority on the BET. The staggering was adjusted to allow the Mayor to have some appointees
on the BET.
Atty. Mednick asked where the staggered terms were listed because he did not see it in the
Charter. [1:12:20] Mr. Hempstead said that the way they were originally set up, they were
staggered. Discussion followed about the details.
Mr. Levin said that his third proposal seeks to improve democracy, the fairness of elections and
provide a credible path for representation of minority parties. [1:13:37] The change would be in
Section 3-3, Paragraph A in the Charter. He then read the current language on the process for the
election of officials in the City. He stated that it states the Common Council may alter the
methodology utilized in the municipality elections.
Mr. Levin said that he had raised the question regarding cumulative voting as a way to address
the imbalance where 55% of the votes may be from one party, but 100% of the seats are awarded
to that particular party. He said that he had researched this issue and felt that cumulative voting
would eventually come to Connecticut. He repeated that there were seven bills before the
legislature for providing rank choice voting for specific elections such as primaries.
He proposed to add the following to the current language in the section: “The prior sentence
notwithstanding, in the event cumulative voting is permitted by law, the Common Council by
ordinance will alter the methodology used in the election of at large Council Members to utilize
cumulative voting for the next applicable and all future municipal elections.”
Mr. Fairbairn said that if the existing language already allows for a different methodology,
adding this extra language would make it more restrictive. [1:16:32]
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Charter Revision Commission
Regular Meeting
April 1, 2025 Page 10
Atty. Mednick said that Mr. Fairbairn and Mr. McQuaid probably remember the debate two
years previously. [1:16:57] He said that one of the reasons that the current language was
included was precisely for the reasons Mr. Levin was stating. He said that the current language
was broad enough to include cumulative voting or rank choice voting or other forms, unless the
State ultimately moves to change the method of voting. Discussion followed about the and the
details for process of rank choice voting.
Mr. Levin said that the proposed language would require the Council to solve the problem, while
the current language gives the Council the opportunity to make changes if they wish to. [1:23:36]
It is the Council Members who are the beneficiaries of the current system which is undemocratic
and flawed. He reviewed the percentages of the recent Council at large election. He then spoke
about someone who had spent a long time studying voting systems in the Southern states. Those
various locations were never able to have black representation on the school boards or on the
City Council. Cumulative voting would allow the possibility for a minority constituency to have
the possibility of having a seat at the table. He said that he was trying to address the issue of the
voters who want representation but are not able to get it. Additional discussion about the details
followed.
** MR. LEVIN MOVED TO ADD THE FOLLOWING TO SECTION 3-3, PARAGRAPH
A IN THE CHARTER:
“THE PRIOR SENTENCE NOTWITHSTANDING, IN THE EVENT
CUMULATIVE VOTING IS PERMITTED BY LAW, THE COMMON COUNCIL
BY ORDINANCE WILL ALTER THE METHODOLOGY USED IN THE
ELECTION OF AT LARGE COUNCIL MEMBERS TO UTILIZE
CUMULATIVE VOTING FOR THE NEXT APPLICABLE AND ALL FUTURE
MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.”
** THE MOTION FAILED TO PASS WITH ONE (1) IN FAVOR (LEVIN) AND SEVEN
(7) OPPOSED (CAMACHO CLARK, DICKENS, FAIRBAIRN, HEMPSTEAD,
MCQUAID AND RHODES-SMALL).
Mr. Levin said that the fourth item seeks to address an issue with the Police Commission
accountability and governance. [1:37:12] He directed everyone to Section 7-2, Paragraph B,
subsection 1, subparagraph A, which currently indicates there shall be a five member Police
Commission consisting of four electors appointed by the Mayor, subject to approval by the
Common Council as set forth in Section 7-1C and continues on further with “in addition to the
four electors, the Mayor shall be ex-officio, a voting member and the Chair of the Commission.”
He proposed that there should be a five member Police Commission consisting of two electors
appointed by the Mayor, subject to the Common Council and so forth and so on and two electors
appointed by the Common Council. The goal is to divide the appointing authority between the
Mayor and the Council and the language continues in addition to the four electors, the Mayor
shall be the ex-officio, a voting member and Chair of the Commission. He said that he also
City of Norwalk
Charter Revision Commission
Regular Meeting
April 1, 2025 Page 11
wished to include the following: “The prior sentence notwithstanding, the Mayor may recuse
himself or herself from being a voting member or Chair of the Commission if there exists a
conflict of interest serving in either role or for any other reason.”
The current Mayor who is now in his 12th and final year of office, he had previously been
employed by the Norwalk Police Department for 41 years. During the last 17 years of his
employment by the Police Department, he served as the Police Chief. He then became the
Mayor. Mr. Levin said that it was his opinion that the Police Commission does not meet their
responsibilities under the Charter and don’t even know what their responsibilities under the
Charter are. As a consequence, the Police Commission is dysfunctional and by diluting the
appointment authority, the City will have a better result than what is currently in place.
Mr. Dickens asked for an example of where the Police Chief has been negligent or dysfunctional.
[1:40:00] Mr. Levin said that the Charter indicates what they have not done, such the
Commission being in control, management and supervision of the Police force in the City and all
of its property. The Police Union’s contract expired nine months ago. Mr. Levin asked if it had
been reviewed or discussed by the Commission prior to or since its expiration.
Mr. McQuaid said he believed there were four contracts currently that have not been renewed at
that time. [1:41:12] He felt this was a personal attack on the Police Commission, which he did
not wish to be part of. He stated that the discussion of contracts was much bigger than just the
Police Commission.
Mr. Dickens agreed. [1:42:28] He asked what the role would be that the Police Commission
would play in the negotiations between the City and the Police.
Mr. Hempstead pointed out that under the Connecticut State statutes, the Mayor is the negotiator
or his appointee, which could be an attorney or a firm. [1:43:00] As a legislative part of the body,
he cannot be part of the negotiations. Legislators can vote to accept or reject the contract. He said
that he believed that they could not even be in the room when the negotiations are underway.
Discussion followed.
** MR. HEMPSTEAD MOVED TO TABLE THE PROPOSED CHANGES TO SECTION
7-2, PARAGRAPH B, SUBSECTION 1, SUBPARAGRAPH A.
Atty. Mednick pointed out that Norwalk has an Ethics Commission, which would govern issues
of recusals and either personal or financial conflicts of interest. [1:46:06] He confirmed that Mr.
Hempstead had correctly stated the issues regarding the role of the Mayor in negotiations. He
explained that the union contracts also play a role in discipline and this could actually have an
effect on the charter. Discussion followed about this.
Mr. Levin claimed that there were numerous other examples of negligence by the Police
Commission regarding the control, management and supervision of the Police force by design.
{1:50:52]
City of Norwalk
Charter Revision Commission
Regular Meeting
April 1, 2025 Page 12
** MR. LEVIN MOVED TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED CHANGES TO SECTION 7-2,
PARAGRAPH B, SUBSECTION 1, SUBPARAGRAPH A.
** THE MOTION FAILED TO PASS WITH ONE (1) IN FAVOR (LEVIN) AND SEVEN
(7) OPPOSED (CAMACHO CLARK, DICKENS, FAIRBAIRN, HEMPSTEAD,
MCQUAID AND RHODES-SMALL).
RECESS
Mr. Fairbairn announced a brief recess at 8:26 p.m. He reconvened the meeting at 8:30 p.m.
•. Structure of the Board of Estimate and Taxation and Boards of Finance.
Atty. Mednick said that he would review this at another time.
VI. DISCUSSION
A. Article X Revisions
Mr. Fairbairn said that Atty. Mednick would be reviewing the changes in Article X. [1:52:45]
His intent was to set this up as an Action Item for the next meeting. He then reviewed the details
of the previously discussed proposed changes with the Commissioners.
Mr. Hempstead summarized the changes that Atty. Mednick reviewed as the Mayor being
advisory, the Board of Estimate and Taxation are advisory and Planning and Zoning are
advisory.[2:20:20] At the end of the day, the Council will have the ability to choose items from
the proposed budget.
Atty. Mednick agreed and noted that if the Council wished to increase the cap, it would be a
2/34rd vote. [2:03:20] He said that the Council would be able to approve, reject, reduce or
reinstate items. He reminded everyone that the Mayor sets the cap. The BET’s role has changed
and Atty. Mednick reviewed the details of this.
Discussion followed about a five year Capital budget projections and a ten year Capital budget
projections.
Atty. Camacho spoke about how the Charter appears to indicate that the BET sets the cap and the
Council’s hands are tied afterwards. [2:09:38] The change appears to have the BET send a
recommendation to the Council, who is the body that will take action. Discussion followed.
Mr. Schmitt then addressed the Commissioners. [2:12:47] He then spoke about the Capital plan
and how the future items that may not have been allocated funding would be the items that
would be subject to reinstatement. He gave the reasons why he wanted to have a ten year Capital
Plan projection. Discussion followed.
City of Norwalk
Charter Revision Commission
Regular Meeting
April 1, 2025 Page 13
Mr. Hempstead spoke about past Council sessions where the Council has re-allocated funding in
the budget. [2:21:50] He indicated that the department had to have asked for funding in that
column in that particular year. Allocating additional funding required the department to go
through the entire process again.
Mr. Hempstead asked if the Mayor could still veto the Capital Budget. [2:23:23] Atty. Mednick
said that he did not think they had changed anything in that regard. He also noted that the Charter
required the Council to approve the Capital Budget on or before April 15th of each year. He was
not sure how that would mesh into the veto process.
Mr. Dickens left the meeting. Discussion followed about how the Mayor would veto something.
Atty. Mednick said that they should have some additional clarity on that and he will speak with
Corporation Counsel on this.
Mr. Schmitt apologized for getting back to Atty. Mednick late, but mentioned a reference to the
Capital Program of Expenditures. [2:30:47] He asked if they were using this synonymously
interchangeably with the Capital Improvement Plan. Atty. Mednick said that they should have
consistent terms in the Charter. Mr. Schmitt said that there was no reference in the definition to
Capital items and he sent some alternative language for that.
Mr. Fairbairn said that they would update the updated version and have it on the agenda for the
next meeting. ]2:33:20] Atty. Mednick encouraged everyone to consider how they wanted to
approach the review of the BET for the next meeting. He reminded everyone that the clock was
running and they should have most of the heavy items considered and still need to schedule the
public hearing.
Mr. Hempstead asked Mr. Schmitt about the City’s financial obligations regarding the new high
school. [2:34:35] Mr. Schmitt said that for this construction project that the City would be using
bonding funds and the reimbursement funds now are sent every two months. Last year they
issued Bond Anticipation Notes to cover the funding they need. At the end of the project, the
State will withhold funding. The funding for the SoNo School will also be included in the bond.
Mr. Schmitt went on to give the details.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
** MR. LEVIN MOVED TO ADJOURN.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
The meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
S.L. Soltes
Telesco Secretarial Services
City of Norwalk
Charter Revision Commission
Regular Meeting
April 1, 2025 Page 14
Agenda
REGULAR MEETING – CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
AGENDA
APRIL 1, 2025, 6:30 PM
ZOOM AND COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBERS
To allow public access, anyone may access a meeting by telephone and/or Zoom, or a recording in the City of
Norwalk YouTube channel. Specific instructions and links can be found at norwalkct.gov/meetings.
Members of the public may call in to participate. Callers will not be able to see the meeting
participants. All participants will be muted upon entering the meeting. To speak, dial *9 on the phone
and you will be called on by the host of the meeting during the public comment section. All speakers
must state their name and address. Comments must be on a topic on the agenda, and are limited to
three minutes. Anyone disrupting the orderly conduct of the meeting, including by using threatening,
hateful, or sexually-explicit language, will be removed. Please find the information using the link
above.
Members of the public who wish to provide "live comments" may also use the Zoom meeting platform.
All participants will be muted upon entering the meeting. To speak, click the “raise your hand
indicator” and you will be called by the host of the meeting during the public comment section. All
speakers must state their name and address. Comments must be on a topic on the agenda, and are
limited to three minutes. Anyone disrupting the orderly conduct of the meeting, including by using
threatening, hateful, or sexually-explicit language, will be removed. Please find the information using
the link above.
Members of the public who wish to provide public comment are encouraged to submit those via email
in advance of the meeting. For these comments to be included into the record, they must be
submitted by 12:00 p.m. the day of the meeting. Please email the City Clerk's office at
cityclerk@norwalkct.govwith the subject line “Public Comment” to provide written public comment
prior to the meeting.
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
A. Regular Meeting: March 18, 2025
IV. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. Structure of the Board of Estimate and Taxation and Boards of Finance.
B. Proposed Changes
1. Referendum, changes to section 4-10 A, 4-10 B & D
2. BET accountability, changes to section 7-2 A(2)
3. Democracy, Fairness of Elections and Representation of Minority Parties,
changes to section 3-3A
4. Police Commission Accountability and Governance, changes to section 7-2 B
(1)(a)
VI. DISCUSSION
A. Article X Revisions
VII. ADJOURNMENT
Packet
REGULAR MEETING – CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
AGENDA
APRIL 1, 2025, 6:30 PM
ZOOM AND COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBERS
To allow public access, anyone may access a meeting by telephone and/or Zoom, or a recording in the City of
Norwalk YouTube channel. Specific instructions and links can be found at norwalkct.gov/meetings.
Members of the public may call in to participate. Callers will not be able to see the meeting
participants. All participants will be muted upon entering the meeting. To speak, dial *9 on the phone
and you will be called on by the host of the meeting during the public comment section. All speakers
must state their name and address. Comments must be on a topic on the agenda, and are limited to
three minutes. Anyone disrupting the orderly conduct of the meeting, including by using threatening,
hateful, or sexually-explicit language, will be removed. Please find the information using the link
above.
Members of the public who wish to provide "live comments" may also use the Zoom meeting platform.
All participants will be muted upon entering the meeting. To speak, click the “raise your hand
indicator” and you will be called by the host of the meeting during the public comment section. All
speakers must state their name and address. Comments must be on a topic on the agenda, and are
limited to three minutes. Anyone disrupting the orderly conduct of the meeting, including by using
threatening, hateful, or sexually-explicit language, will be removed. Please find the information using
the link above.
Members of the public who wish to provide public comment are encouraged to submit those via email
in advance of the meeting. For these comments to be included into the record, they must be
submitted by 12:00 p.m. the day of the meeting. Please email the City Clerk's office at
cityclerk@norwalkct.govwith the subject line “Public Comment” to provide written public comment
prior to the meeting.
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
A. Regular Meeting: March 18, 2025
IV. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. Structure of the Board of Estimate and Taxation and Boards of Finance.
B. Proposed Changes
Page 1 of 56
1. Referendum, changes to section 4-10 A, 4-10 B & D
2. BET accountability, changes to section 7-2 A(2)
3. Democracy, Fairness of Elections and Representation of Minority Parties,
changes to section 3-3A
4. Police Commission Accountability and Governance, changes to section 7-2 B
(1)(a)
VI. DISCUSSION
A. Article X Revisions
VII. ADJOURNMENT
Page 2 of 56
CITY OF NORWALK
CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 18, 2025
ATTENDANCE: Tyler Fairbairn, Chair; Douglas Hempstead, Vice Chair; Jo Bennett,
John Levine Tanya Rhodes-Small
Via Zoom: Jim Clark, Carl Dickens, Richard McQuaid, Ed Camacho
STAFF: Atty. Steven Mednick, consultant; Council President B. Smyth, Council
Member J. Goldstein, Council Member G. Burnett,
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Fairbairn called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
[0:20]
The roll was called. A quorum was present.
DISCUSSION
[0:59]
A. Common Council Members Discussion
Atty. Mednick said that the CFO had requested some changes. He explained that an issue had
arisen regarding the authority of the BET regarding a cap on the budget. After discussing this, it
was recommended that the BET recommend a cap for the budget and having the Council
approve the budget cap.
Ms. Bennett joined the meeting at 6:33 p.m.
He said that the Council Members were present to give their thoughts on Article 10. He added
that the commission would love to hear the Council Members’ thoughts on a four year term.
Council President Smyth said for the record that she would be leaving the meeting and not voting
when the issue of the four year term is brought to a vote. [4:54]
Council President Smyth said that she felt that 10-16a needed more clarification. She gave the
example of last year’s discussion about the fire house and finding the funds for that project.
Mr. Clark said that there was additional language involving transferring funds from the Capital
budget to General Fund. [7:34] Atty. Mednick said that this was currently in the budget. Mr.
City of Norwalk
Charter Revision Commission
Regular Meeting
March 18, 2023 Page 1
Page 3 of 56
Clark asked if it had any bearing on what Council Member Smyth was saying. Atty. Mednick
said that he did not think so.
Council Member Greg Burnett had a question about 10-2c, and the Joint Meetings that were
between the Finance Claims Committee and the Board of Education. [10:00] Atty. Mednick said
that CFO had concerns about that meeting and noted that it was not in the Charter. Council
Member Burnett said that the goal of the meeting was to let the public know about what was
happening with both budgets, but no votes or decisions have been made. There is public
participation at these meetings. The proposed wording would involve the BET. Council Member
Burnett said that he had some reservations since the BOE has the majority of the budget and this
meeting gives the public an opportunity to speak to the BOE. There is no Joint Finance BOE
Committee. Council Member Burnett explained it would be a meeting between the Finance
Committee of the Common Council and the Finance Committee of the Board of Education.
Council President Smyth agreed with Council Member Burnett and said that this joint meeting
had been established some seven years earlier and it is really an opportunity for the BOE to
present their budget to the Finance Committee. [15:30] The public and the rest of the Council
can hear the information about the Budget. The BET can listen in, also, if they wish to.
Council Member Burnett noted that this was the chance for the City to present the challenges
they face budget wise. [17:45] Without this opportunity, the public would be limited to one
public hearing and this is late in the process.
Council Member Goldstein had a number of questions about the comments for 10-1-c and also
noted that he had concerns about 10-15, which has become a live issue recently. [19:22] He
noted that the City does not have their Capital budget ready that early in the process.
He said that the Charter does not authority the BET to set a cap on the budget. Atty. Mednick
reminded everyone that the CFO had raised this issue. The language is quite vague. He reiterated
that fact that the proposed language is a “recommend a cap”. He said that he disagreed with the
Board of Estimate and Taxation setting a cap and gave his reasons.
Council Member Goldstein said that having the BET recommendations in writing would help
with transparency and noted that having the information in written form brings a level of clarity
to the item. Currently the BET does not submit a written document regarding the raising or
lowering the cap. As the Chair of Economic Development, he requires all those who come before
the Committee to submit the information in writing because it streamlines the process.
Discussion followed about enforcement.
Mr. Schmitt, the CFO, greeted the Committee and gave a brief overview of the BET process.
[27:13] Council Member Goldstein said that the BET had until April 1st to submit its
recommendations.
City of Norwalk
Charter Revision Commission
Regular Meeting
March 18, 2023 Page 2
Page 4 of 56
Council Member Goldstein said that he had concerns about 10-16. [29:00] He noted that he had
a problem with the word “reinstating” and said that the Council would be declining to listen to
the recommendation. A discussion followed about the language and who has the authority to
raise or lower the budget cap along with some examples from the past when capital projects were
either reduced or added into the budget due to changes in the circumstances.
Council Member Goldstein [45:20] said that it would be important to define the word
“reinstatement”. He said that there could be a situation where the Mayor could defund a project
that the public strongly supported.
Council Member Goldstein said that 10-16d was also important and suggested that there should
be a joint meeting with the Economic and Community Development and the Finance Committee.
Council Member Burnett said that he had raised the question of why the Capital budget was
being presented to the Economic and Community Development Committee but not the Finance
Committee. [48:17] He noted that the Charter does not mention the Economic and Community
Development Committee, but does mention the Council. He asked if the Council was the body
that would determine which committee would review the budget.
Atty. Mednick said that the answer to Council Member Burnett’s question was yes. [49:09] The
Council is responsible for this and how the Council internally parcels out that responsibility is up
to the Council and its rules. He suggested adding the phrase “the committee or committees of
jurisdiction” to the language, so a Committee would not be locked into its name. Discussion
followed.
Council Member Goldstein said he appreciated all the hard work the Committee has done.
[51:19] He said this was a yeoman’s job.
Atty. Mednick asked if the Council Members had any thoughts on the composition of the BET.
[51:50]
Council President Smyth said that the Chair of the Finance and Claims Committee would have a
major role in this. [52:32] She added that Atty. Mednick’s recommendations are very important.
The Council Members had defined roles for both the Capital and Operating budgets. The Council
answers to their constituents and needs a voice with the BET. Atty. Mednick said that he would
put together a comparative document to show alternatives, but he cautioned the Committee that
there would not be many examples since most of the municipalities operate differently than
Norwalk. He gave the details.
Council Member Hempstead [54:48] asked whether there should be an elected BET rather than
an appointed membership. There was also a suggestion whether the composition of the Board
should be half appointed and include Council Members.
City of Norwalk
Charter Revision Commission
Regular Meeting
March 18, 2023 Page 3
Page 5 of 56
Mr. Levin said that there was another issue regarding responsiveness to constituents was to alter
the appointing authority. [56:35]He suggested they consider possibly having half the members of
the BET appointed by the Council.
Council President Smyth said she was not proposing making a massive change but if the Council
wanted to move in that direction, it would be a long term process. [57:05]
Atty. Camacho joined the meeting at 7:32 p.m.
Council President Smyth said that it was already a heavy lift for the Council [58:00] She asked
whether they should consider paid positions for the Finance because it is such a heavy lift. She
said she did not think that the Council was ready to make such a change, but was just presenting
the idea for possible consideration.
Council Member Burnett asked what the role of a Council Member who potentially might sit on
the BET. [59:15] He would like to understand the rationale behind this since there has not been
any problems between the Council and the BET. Atty. Mednick said that he had worked with the
same type of model in New Haven years before.
Atty. Camacho said that there was one year when he was on the council due to fill a term and
explained that the split between positions was very close and wondered whether it would have
added any value to the BET. [1:01:20]
Council Member Goldstein said that the members of the BET were Mayoral appointees and the
Common Council approves them. [1:03:00] He went on to speak about the feedback that the
Council receives and noted that the Council Members should be held accountable by setting the
budget cap. He felt that the BET serves a valuable function.
Atty. Camacho said that he had noticed that the City had a triple A rating with an appointed BET
membership and that the cities that had elected BET were struggling and did not have a triple A
rating. [1:05:35] He added he would like to see that there should be a representative from each
District, including minority representation.
Council President Smyth agreed. [1:07:17] She mentioned a workshop where it was evident to
her that the cities that had elected BET were struggling financially. Also, she said that the triple
A rating saves the city millions of dollars in debt service annually.
Council Member Goldstein suggested that it would be important to have diversity on the Board,
not just corporate financial members. [1:08:20] Professional experience would be nice, but it also
important to have professional diversity also. Discussion followed.
Mr. Levin noted that while diversity would be nice, t would be difficult to include that in a
charter. [1:11:10] He said that having a greater amount of accountability for the BET by having
half mayoral appointments and half Council appointments.
City of Norwalk
Charter Revision Commission
Regular Meeting
March 18, 2023 Page 4
Page 6 of 56
Mr. Hempstead pointed out that they would have to consider the timeline for the
recommendation for the setting the cap. [1:13:03] Council Member Burnett said that usually
there was a seven day gap between the cap being set and it becoming finalized. During the last
few times, there has been no issues, but that the week period was a cushion for last minute
questions or concerns. . He noted that there was plenty of time earlier in the process to ask
questions or research for additional information.
Council Member Smyth agreed and felt that the week gap was sufficient. [1:16:00]
Mr. Fairbairn said that the next topic of discussion would be the four year term. [1:16:46]
Council President Smyth said that she would be leaving the meeting.
Council President Smyth left the meeting at 7:48 p.m.
Council Member Burnett said that Council President Smyth had decided to recuse herself
because she was considering running for Mayor. [1:17:23]
Mr. Hempstead asked why they were discussing this again since at the last meeting, they had
tabled the item. [1:17:58] Mr. Fairbairn said that the Commission had table the discussion, not
dismissed it. Since the Council Members were present at the meeting, Mr. Fairbairn felt it would
be a good time to get their thoughts on the matter.
Mr. McQuaid said that he felt that this was not a good time to consider the four year term since it
was going to be a municipal election. [1:18:29] Mr. McQuaid said that he felt that the discussion
should be held during an off year and noted that he would not be voting on this item.
Mr. Levin said it was his understanding that the Commission was seeking input from the Council
Members because they have useful experience. [1:20:20]
Mr. Dickens said that the last time, it was on the ballot and it did not work out. [1:21:06]
Atty. Camacho suggested that it might be worthwhile to just have one Charter Revision
Commission that deals solely with this. [1:22:07] He agreed with Mr. Levin that there never
would be a good time to bring this issue to the voters, since every year is an election year.
Ms. Bennett said that there were so many building blocks of governance to consider and she felt
that they might be putting the cart before the horse. [1:24:00]
Council Member Goldstein said that there were a number of Mayors who had four year terms.
[1:24:32] He said that he could not imagine a scenario where a four year Mayoral term did not
have four year Council terms. He felt that if they were going to do one, they would have to do
both.
City of Norwalk
Charter Revision Commission
Regular Meeting
March 18, 2023 Page 5
Page 7 of 56
Council Member Burnett said that he supported the Charter Commission with their concerns
about putting too many issues on the ballot. [1:26:55] He asked them to deliberate and come up
with a specific time when it should be put on the ballot. While there may not be a perfect time to
have it on the ballot, they should come up with a time to consider putting it on the ballot, even if
it is the only item on the ballot. Otherwise, they are just pushing the item down the road.
Atty. Camacho said that the issue of salaries be considered along with the issue of a four year
term. [1:28:24] Those two items should be part of one Charter Revision.
Mr. Levin asked if it would be possible for this Charter Revision Commission to recommend
Charter Revision items for inclusion on the upcoming ballot and also have items stated for a
future Commission. Currently, the next Charter Revision would happen in 2030. [1:29:42]
Atty. Mednick said that the answer was yes, [1:30:48] He said that he would look into whether
the Council could so something like this. The last Commission was focused on reorganizing the
document and avoided political issues in order to get the main goal accomplished. He suggested
that this Commission consider a mandate for a two year study to look at the compensation issue,
the term issue, the level of responsibilities and the interaction between the Mayor, the Council
and the BET.
Mr. Levin repeated his query regarding whether it would be possible for this Commission to
make recommendations to the Council to have Charter recommendations not only for the coming
November ballot, but also for the future years ballots. [1:33:00]
Atty. Mednick said that the Commission was restricted.[1:33:30] The Charter mandate was for
the November ballot. He said that he would look into this, but repeated they were limited
because of the resolution terms.
Mr. Dickens asked the Council Members present if they could have a meeting to discuss a two
year term vs. a four year term. [1:34:50] He noted that they had this discussion two years ago.
Council Member Burnett said that previous Commission had teed up this issue for this
Commission to consider this item. [1:36:02] They were supportive of it but wanted to clean up
the Charter first. Discussion followed.
Atty. Camacho said that it was a big lift to ask someone to work for four years for $47 a month.
[1:37:42] He felt that both issues would have to be taken up at the same time. The two should be
taken up together. He said that they would include language that would allow the City to increase
the salaries as the State allows.
Mr. McQuaid said that if they have too many issues on the Charter on the ballot, it will crash and
burn. [1:40:00] The Commission is running out of time. Mr. Dickens agreed.
City of Norwalk
Charter Revision Commission
Regular Meeting
March 18, 2023 Page 6
Page 8 of 56
Mr. Hempstead said that it will be important to keep the Charter Commission focused on a single
issue rather than presenting too many items. [1:41:32]
Mr. Dickens asked if they could do a referendum on just these two items. [1:42:32] Mr.
McQuaid said that the elections were becoming expensive because of the early voting. Atty.
Mednick said that it would be hard to get the 15% to vote on just a Charter Revision.
Mr. Levin asked if there was a path for this Commission to recommend a Charter Revision item
for the November 2026 election.
Atty. Mednick said that the resolution for the Commission included setting an end date for
placing this on the ballot in November 2025. [1:44:48] He said that he would be looking at
whether it would be unusual for the Council to modify that at this late date to permit the
Commission to separate out if it falls within the 15 months the certain questions that the Council
would want to separate questions out from the November 2025 ballot for the November 2026
ballot. He will speak with the Council leadership about this because it is their decision.
Discussion followed.
Mr. Fairbairn thanked the Council Members for their input. [1:46:35] Council Member Goldstein
and Council member Burnett thanked the Commission and said that they appreciated the work
that the Commission was doing.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Ms. Lisa Brinton of Shorefront Park said that she appreciated being able to participate in real
time rather than after the previous meeting. [1:48:00] She asked where Minority Council
Member Dunn was and why wasn’t she invited. This is an example of how minority members
are excluded from things.
Ms. Brinton said that Atty. Camacho’ s comments at the last meeting about minority party
representation were undemocratic and disingenuous along with being inconsistent with about
160 other towns around Connecticut. She added that the public had no voice at the Council or
BOE except for a three minute comment, which is interrupted at two and a half minutes for a
time check.
Ms. Brinton said there was an almost dictatorship like control of not just wanting a majority but
wanting it all. She mentioned this was true on the national level, so why not here in Norwalk.
There are many forms of representation but Norwalk just doesn’t use them regardless of the fact
that 99% of the other municipalities do so. If the Council and Commission are so concerned
about a four year term, which all the other cities and town in the State have, why aren’t the
Council and Commission concerned about minority party representation.
She felt that there was a good discussion about having a four year term for the Mayor along with
all the moving parts. However without better check and balance procedures like minority party
City of Norwalk
Charter Revision Commission
Regular Meeting
March 18, 2023 Page 7
Page 9 of 56
representation, or public referendums. She felt that the four year term is unlikely to pass. Nearly
half of the electorate votes differently and has no say in policy. Why would they vote to extend
executive power without some check and balances? The two year term has been the only thing
that stopped the entire City from being up-zoned in 2023.
Ms. Brinton said that she appreciated the position that the Democrats hold nationally when they
hold 24 out of 25 major offices. Connecticut is a blue state with significant pressure to push back
on Republican policies. However, Norwalk’s issues have nothing to do with Republicans or
Trump but if anything, it has fostered the same bullying behavior in Connecticut.
The current budget crisis is not attributed to the downturn in the commercial market. It’s
Hartford single party policies and exclusionary zoning along with developer tax credits and two
decades of unfair ECS funding. Ms. Brinton said that the City has an unsustainable budget
because the political system is broken. As long as the majority party mentality, whether
Democrat or Republican, is to bully or mock the opposition, they will never have a true
democracy or a healthy exchange of the ideas resulting in better policies.
Ms. Brinton thanked the Commission for their time.
Mr. Richard Bonenfant of Park Hill Avenue, said that he would like to see more in person
meetings. [1:51:32] He said that a Council Member could be in Las Vegas and voting on a major
budget issue. There are Commissions that have never met or seen each other in person. Council
Members and Commissions have totally lost touch with their constituents.
He reminded the Committee knew that once they allocate funding for the BOE, it can never be
less than the previous year and that the BOE can use it in any way they see fit. This is why
previous Councils have made the BOE purchase books and computers as Capital budget items
because this restricts the use of those funds to the stated items.
Mr. Bonenfant pointed out that there was a three to four year lead on building fire engines
because there aren’t that many manufacturers. They won’t take the order unless it is approved in
the Capital budget in advance. It’s important to look ahead to future projects.
He reiterated the fact that in a referendum, it doesn’t count unless a certain percentage of votes
are cast. He reminded everyone of the Fodor Farm referendum and said that the referendums
would not make it.
He thanked the Commission for their time.
Ms. Diane Cece greeted the Commission and thanked them for serving in this capacity. [1:54:16]
She noted that only Atty. Mednick was being paid for his time. She noted that they were left to
commenting after the fact rather than making comments during the meeting.
City of Norwalk
Charter Revision Commission
Regular Meeting
March 18, 2023 Page 8
Page 10 of 56
She also agreed with Mr. Bonenfant about having them meetings in person. At one of the
previous meetings, Atty. Mednick gave an overview of timelines and what the next steps were.
She reminded them that at some point, the Commission would have to hold a public hearing.
She asked about having a forum before the public hearing so they can connect with the residents
and have a dialog rather than the three minute speaking limit. This could provide valuable
feedback about things that might need to be included or discarded. Even though this would be an
imposition on the Commission’s time, as a tax payer, she would appreciate it.
Mr. Fairbairn said that anyone who would feel constricted by the three minute speaking limit,
there is a portal for residents to use and they can also email people. [1:56:38] He was not sure
about holding a forum and said that they would be making recommendations to the Common
Council.
B. Review of Comment Grid
Mr. Fairbairn asked if people had looked at the Comment Grid and noted that most of the issues
had been discussed. [1:58:37] Discussion followed about the details.
Mr. Fairbairn said that there were 10 sessions left.
NEW BUSINESS
[
A. Capital Budget Process
• Role of the Council
• BET approvals
• Public hearings and interactions
• Function of the Mayor
• Update and refine language
• Role of the Planning and Zoning Commission
• Section 10
Mr. Hempstead asked Atty. Mednick about having the joint BOE Finance and City Finance
Committee meetings. [2:00:22] He asked what would happen if there was no BOE Finance
Committee but it was included in the Charter. Atty. Mednick reiterated that he has a policy of not
naming committees in Charters because he leaves it up to the various bodies to determine what
the committees are going to be. It would likely read “the Council or any committees of
jurisdiction that the Board of Education or any committees of jurisdiction.” This avoids naming
entities that exist in the present time that did not exist five years previously.
Mr. Hempstead had a question about if the Council Members could expand the budget cap
beyond what the BET recommended. [2:01:51] He said that they might want to consider some
kind of compliance that changes could not affect the bond rating by enlarging the Capital budget.
He suggested possibly requiring a super majority vote if it went in that direction.
City of Norwalk
Charter Revision Commission
Regular Meeting
March 18, 2023 Page 9
Page 11 of 56
Mr. Hempstead said that he disagreed with Council Members Burnett and Goldstein about the
one week timeline. [2:03:29] It works if a party has a majority and has held certain discussions in
advance. However, it is harder for the minority party. He felt there was a better methodology.
Atty. Camacho asked if the Commission had discussed whether the BET could set the cap on the
Operating Budget and the Capital Budget. [2:04:16] Atty. Mednick said that one issue was that
the BET does not submit their recommendation in writing. Atty. Mednick also reviewed the
topics discussed during the first hour of the meeting before Atty. Camacho arrived.
Atty. Camacho said that he felt they should codify the current practice for the budget and noted
that it had worked well in the past. [2:06:37] He had concerns about limiting the City by
restricting them with not doing anything that would affect the bond rating. He said he did not
understand why the Mayor’s Office and the Finance Department had a problem with this.
Mr. Hempstead asked Atty. Mednick to check with the Law Department about the past legal
opinions on this. [2:08:52]. He said that during his time as a Council Member, the BET had set
the caps and they could not spend one dime more. Atty. Mednick said he would check into this.
Mr. Levin said that he had three Charter Revision suggestions that he would like to submit it to
Mr. Fairbairn and Mr. Hempstead via email. [[2:09:47] Mr. Fairbairn said that they would post it
on the website.
Mr. Levin said that he would like to have more people attend the meeting in the Council
Chambers. [2:11:11]. Discussion followed.
Atty. Mednick said that he would make some of the changes to Article 10 based on the
discussions from this meeting. [2:12:41] He will have some potential action items on Articles 13
and 14. The administration has been responding to his queries and there may be some provisions
that are moved into another section of the Charter.
Ms. Rhodes-Small asked if they would be able to vote on terms limits and compensation so they
don’t keep coming back to the same issues. [2:14:00] Mr. Fairbairn said that he would include it
on the next agenda so they can take it off the table.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
A. Regular Meeting: March 4, 2025 [2:15:00]
** MR. HEMPSTEAD MOVED THE MINUTES OF THE MARCH 4, 2025.
The following corrections were noted:
Page 1, under ATTENDANCE, please change “Taylor Fairbairn” to “Tyler Fairbairn”
City of Norwalk
Charter Revision Commission
Regular Meeting
March 18, 2023 Page 10
Page 12 of 56
Page 5, under B Referendum Procedure, paragraph 2, line 1. please change “Mr.
Levon” to “Mr. Levin”
Page 4, under Public Participation, paragraph 1, line 1: please change “majority
representation” to “minority representation”
Page 6, paragraph 2, line 6 following the vote: please change “four hear terms for the
Mayor” to “four year terms for the Mayor”
Mr. Levin stated that there were errors of omission, but he was not allowed to bring them up or
submit them.
** MR. HEMPSTEAD MOVED THE MINUTES OF THE MARCH 4, 2025 AS
CORRECTED.
** THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FOR THE MARCH 4, 2024
MEETING AS CORRECTED PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Clark noted that the last time he attended in person, he could barely hear Atty. Mednick and
some of the other individuals that were in the room. [2:17:00] Mr. Fairbairn said that he would
look into this. Discussion followed.
Mr. Dickens said that while it was nice to have people in the Chambers, he asked if it made a
difference having the Commissioners in the empty Chambers. [2:18:37] Mr. Levin said that
before the meeting, there is small talk that improves the relations.
ADJOURNMENT
** The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Telesco Secretarial Services
City of Norwalk
Charter Revision Commission
Regular Meeting
March 18, 2023 Page 11
Page 13 of 56
NORWALK CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
BACKGROUND DOCUMENT #4
BOARD OF FINANCE/ BET COMPOSITION
Municipality Pop. Members Term Elected/Appointed
1. Bridgeport 148,028 N/A N/A N/A
2. Stamford 136,226 6 4 Elected At-Large (MPR)1
3. New Haven 135,319 N/A N/A N/A2
4. Hartford 119,669 N/A N/A N/A
5. Waterbury 114,990 N/A N/A N/A3
6. Norwalk 92,458 6 + Mayor 4 BET Appointed by Mayor
(MPR)4
7. Danbury 86,124 N/A N/A N/A
8. New Britain 74,080 6 2 Mayor5
9. West Hartford 63,969 N/A N/A N/A
10. Greenwich 63,574 12 2 BET Elected At-Large
(MPR)
11. Fairfield 63,433 9 6 Elected At-Large (MPR)
Staggered 3 each
election
12. Bristol 61,601 8 + Mayor 4 Mayor6
13. Meriden 60,111 N/A N/A N/A
14. Hamden 60,014 N/A N/A N/A7
15. Manchester 59,408 N/A N/A N/A
16. West Haven 54,790 N/A N/A N/A
17. Milford 52,793 5 3 Mayor subject to approval
by Council8
18. Stratford 52,454 N/A N/A N/A
19. East Hartford 50,554 N/A N/A N/A
20. Middletown 47,984 N/A N/A N/A
1 Stamford Charter, Part 6, Division 2, Subdivision B
2 New Haven Charter Art. VII, Sec. 4A. mandates the creation of a Financial Review and Audit Commission, which
is the successor to the historical Board of Finance which was repealed in the early 1990s. The Commission will
established by ordinance. In the meantime Art. XV, Sec. 3.B retained the current provisions pertaining to the
Commission: (1) Establishment2. There shall be a Financial Review and Audit Commission that shall be responsible
for reviewing and reporting on the financial condition of the City. (2) Composition. The Financial Review and Audit
Commission shall consist of nine (9) members. (a) Terms. Members shall be appointed for five (5) year terms, except
that of the nine (9) first appointed, one (1) shall be appointed for a term of one (1) year, and two (2) shall be appointed
to terms of two (2), three (3), four (4) and five (5) years, respectively. (b) Restriction on Service. No member of the
commission shall hold any other office or position in the government of the City, appointed or elected, except as a
member of said commission. (c) Additional Ground for Removal from Office. In addition to the reasons set forth in this
Charter, a member of said commission may be remove for failure to attend a specified number of meetings of the
commission within a specified period as the commission may set forth in its bylaws”. (d) Experience. Not fewer than
seven (7) members shall have training and experience in financial matters as evidenced by being a certified public
accountant, having earned a bachelor's degree in business or public administration, having not less than five (5) years’
service as the financial officer of a business, having not less than five (5) years’ service as a public administrator, or
having a similar degree or experience. (e) Chair of the Commission. The commission shall elect a chair from among
its members to hold office for a term or terms of one (1) year each and may adopt bylaws to govern its procedures. (2)
Staff: Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director. The commission by affirmative vote of seven (7) of its
members shall appoint or reappoint, for a term or terms not to exceed four (4) years each, an executive director and a
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deputy director, who shall not be members of the classified service, and who may be removed by the affirmative vote
of seven (7) of the members of the commission2. The commission may appoint such other personnel as the City budget
may provide, who shall be members of the classified service2. The expenses of the commission, including the salaries
of its employees, shall be paid by the City. (3) General Duties and Powers of the Financial Review and Audit
Commission. (a) The commission shall meet not less frequently than monthly to review the financial condition of the
City as described in the monthly financial reports described in §5 of Article VIII and in the audited financial statements,
and to conduct such other business as may come before it. (b) The Mayor, the Controller and other Public Officials
shall make available to the commission all information concerning the financial performance of the City as the
commission may request. (c) Not later than the tenth (10th) day of each month, the commission shall submit a report to
the Mayor and the Board of Alders containing such comments and recommendations concerning the financial report
issued by the Mayor during the preceding month pursuant to §5 of Article VIII and the City's financial condition as the
commission may deem appropriate. (d) The commission shall make recommendations to the Board of Alders
concerning the selection of the auditor of the City.
3 Waterbury Charter Ch. 6, Part B, Sec. 6B-1 has a Finance and Audit Review Commission as follows: (a) Powers
and Duties. There shall be a Finance and Audit Review Commission, which shall have authority to examine into all
matters relating to the financial and budgetary efficiency, efficacy and condition of the City. Notwithstanding the
provisions of this Charter pertaining to the executive powers of the Mayor, the Department of Audit shall be under the
direct supervision of the Finance and Audit Review Commission. (1) Financial Review. Said Commission is authorized
to audit and examine or cause to be audited and examined, the books and accounts of any and all of the Departments
and officials of the City, including the Department of Education. (2) Administrative Policy Review. Said Commission
shall review the contents of the annual audit and make recommendations to the Mayor regarding the manner and
means of improving the administrative processes pertaining to the operations of the City. (3) Supervision of the
Department of Audit. Said Commission shall be responsible for the general supervision of the Department of Audit and
shall give due consideration to requests from the Mayor or the Board of Aldermen in establishing and modifying the
work plan of the Commission or its staff. (4) Required Cooperation. Each officer and employee of any Department,
institution, Board or Commission or other administrative unit of the City shall assist said Commission and Department
of Audit in carrying out the provisions of this section. (b) Membership. Said Commission shall consist of seven (7)
Electors of the City appointed by the Mayor, subject to the advice and consent of a majority of the members of the
Board of Aldermen present and voting. The Commission shall choose a chair and such other officers as it may desire.
Commencing on January 1, 2003, the Mayor shall appoint four (4) members for a term of four (4) years and three (3)
members for a term of two (2) years. Following the term of two (2) years the Mayor shall, on or after January 1, 2005,
appoint three (3) members for a term of four (4) years. (1) Qualifications. The members of the Commission shall have
professional or business experience in the fields of accounting, management or financial analysis as evidenced by
being a certified public accountant, certified management accountant or having earned a master or doctorate degree
in business, finance or public administration or the equivalent thereof; or, at least five (5) years of experience as a
financial officer of a business or public administrator or such other qualifications as may be further defined by Ordinance.
(2) Restrictions. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Charter, no more than three (3) members of the Commission
shall be members of the same political party. Furthermore, no person who has served in the previous three (3) years
as a public official, other than a member of this Commission, or a political party officer shall be appointed to membership
on the Commission. For purposes of this section, the term “public official” means an individual who holds or has held
a municipal office (as defined in §9-372 but shall not include a justice of the peace or notary public) in the City and the
term “political party officer” means an officer of a national committee of a political party, state central or town committee
or any person employed by such committee for compensation. The restrictions set forth in this subsection shall apply
to members through their term of office. (c) Annual Budget of the Finance and Audit Review Commission. The
Commission shall adopt and forward to the Mayor its proposed annual budget, in accordance with the procedures and
timetable established for other Departments. The Mayor’s budget shall include, and the Board of Aldermen shall
appropriate for support of the Commission and its audit employees, at least the amount necessary to maintain the
staffing level as approved in the previous annual budget, unless the Commission requests a lesser amount.
4 Norwalk Charter Art. VIII, §7-2.A.
5 New Britain Charter §7-2(e) mandates as Board of Finance and Taxation as follows: There shall be a Board of
Finance and Taxation. (1) Powers and Duties. Said Board shall exercise the powers and duties necessary to [i]
prepare a Proposed Budget Ordinance as set forth in section 10-3 of this Charter, [ii] review and report, to the Mayor,
on the financial and budgetary condition of the city, including the Board of Education and Department of Education,
based on the monthly financial reports required by section 10-5 of this Charter and in the audited financial
statements, and [iii] conduct such other business as may come before it, including, but not limited to, any reports
relating to the financial and budgetary condition of the city as may be prescribed by ordinance.
(2) Financial Review Powers. Furthermore, said Board has the power and authority, subject to the approval of the
Common Council, to audit and examine, or cause to be audited and examined, the books and accounts of any and
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NORWALK CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
BACKGROUND DOCUMENT #4
BOARD OF FINANCE/ BET COMPOSITION
all of the departments and officials of the city, including the Board of Education and Department of Education, in any
way affecting the finances of the city. Moreover, the Board shall review the contents of the annual audit and make
recommendations to the Mayor regarding the manner and means of improving the city's financial and budgetary
condition. (3) Duties Relating to the Capital Budget. Said Board shall give recommendations to the Mayor regarding
the annual capital budget, in the manner set forth in section 11-2 of this Charter. (4) Qualifications. In addition to the
requirements of this Charter and the provisions of the Ordinance a minimum of one-third of the members of said
Board shall have training and experience in financial matters as evidenced by being a certified public accountant,
having earned a bachelor, master or doctorate degree in business, finance or public administration, having not less
than five years service as the financial officer of a business, having not less than five years service as an elected or
appointed public official, having not less than five years service as a public administrator, or having a similar degree
or experience or such other qualifications as may be further defined by Ordinance.
6 Bristol Charter Chapter 4, Sec.51
7 Hamden Charter, Sec. 7-2.A mandates an appointed Finance Commission, as follows: (1) there shall be a Finance
Commission which shall have the authority to exercise the powers and duties exclusively set forth in this in this Charter
and Ordinances and such incidental powers as may be reasonably necessary to enable it to investigate and
determine those matters of fiscal policy of the Town as are within its direct jurisdiction and responsibility. Said
responsibilities shall include: (a) Budget Preparation and Oversight. Reviewing the Proposed Town Budget and
making its recommendations to the Legislative Council as set forth in Chapter X of this Charter pertaining to financial
efficacy and soundness as well as compliance with Laws, procedures, contractual and fiduciary obligations as well as
best practices and standards in public finance as set forth in Law, this Charter and as set forth in §7-2.A(1)(f) of this
Charter (“Best Practices”). Specifically, the Commission shall (i) make recommendations as required by §10-4.C; and,
(ii) offer its advice during the Final Budget Hearing (see, §10-4.A(2) of this Charter) and following Adoption of the
Budget (see, §10-5.B of the Charter) and prior to Mayoral Action (see, §10-6.B of this Charter). The Commission is
further required to maintain continued oversight over budget implementation and management during the course of the
fiscal year in cooperation with the Legislative Council, in furtherance of the Council’s role as the budget-making authority
of the Town. (b) Reporting Function. Conducting monthly Meetings and quarterly budget review Meetings and
preparing a comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year and reports to the Legislative Council, upon
request. (c) Collective Bargaining Agreements. To the extent permissible by Law and in accordance with any
agreements governing the collective bargaining process, the Mayor and Board of Education shall keep the
Commission informed of the operational and fiscal impact of collective bargaining negotiations. With respect thereto,
the Finance Commission may render an advisory opinion to the Mayor and the Board of Education, as the case may
be, of the total cost and potential long-term tax burden as set forth in the tentative agreement. Prior to final statutory
action, if required, on the collective bargaining agreement, the Commission shall, in turn, render an advisory opinion
to the Mayor, Legislative Council and Board of Education of the total cost and potential long-term tax burden of said
agreements. The Mayor and Board of Education shall transmit the tentative agreement as required by Law and the
Legislative Council may then transmit such agreement to the Finance Commission. (d) Pensions. The Mayor and
the Finance Commission are required to propose a funding policy to ensure that defined benefit pensions and Other
Post-Employment Benefits (“OPEB”) are properly measured, reported and funded in accordance with contractual
obligations, Best Practices and Law. (e) Long-term Financial and Capital Planning7. The Finance Commission shall
regularly (although not less than every two years) engage in long-term financial and capital planning that takes into
account the next five years in the future and shall further consider the financial effects of the Town’s plan of conservation
and development (“POCD”) as required by the General Statutes. A report on said planning effort over said five-year
period shall be transmitted to the Mayor and Legislative Council, which shall take the Plan into account during budget
deliberations. The Legislative Council may establish a regular schedule for such planning by Ordinance. (f) Standards
and Policies. The Finance Commission shall, from time to time, issue recommended policies and standards
governing the Best Practices for the financial operations of the Town. (2) Appointment and Membership. The
Commission shall consist of five (5) members, appointed as set forth in §7-1. C of this Charter. The Commission shall
choose a chair and such other officers as it may desire. (a) Term. The Mayor shall appoint two (2) members and the
President of the Legislative Council shall appoint three (3) members for a term of six (6) years commencing on the 1st
Day of January of the year of appointment (subject to the transition provision, below). All appointments shall be subject
to approval by a Majority Vote of the Legislative Council. The terms shall be staggered as established at the date of
the original appointment. (i) Transition Provision Pertaining to the Initial Appointment of Members to the Finance
Commission. The Mayor and President of the Legislative Council shall each appoint one (1) member to a term of six
(6) years commencing on the 1st Day of January 2023. The Mayor and President of the Legislative Council shall each
appoint one (1) member to a term of five (5) years commencing on the 1st Day of January 2023 and thereafter to a term
of six (6) years commencing on the 1st day of January 2028. The President of the Legislative Council shall appoint
one (1) member to a term of four (4) years commencing on the 1st Day of January 2023 and thereafter to a term of six
(6) years commencing on the 1st day of January 2027. Following the initial appointments, the term of office shall be
Background Document #4 - 3
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NORWALK CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION
BACKGROUND DOCUMENT #4
BOARD OF FINANCE/ BET COMPOSITION
uniformly applied. (b) Minority Party Representation. Said Commission shall be subject to the requirements of the
§7-1. F of this Charter. (c) Restrictions. Said Commission members shall be subject to the provision of §7-1. I of this
Charter. (d) Selection of Officers. The Commission shall elect a Chair, Vice Chair and such other officers as it deems
necessary. (e) Ex Officio Members. The following non-voting ex-officio members shall be appointed to the
Commission as follows: (i) a Public Official or municipal employee representing the Mayor, designated by the Mayor;
(ii) a representative of the Board of Education, designated by a majority vote of said Board; and, (iii) the Chair of the
Legislative Council committee of jurisdiction over the budget or a member of said committee designated by the Chair.
The provisions of §7-2A(2)(c) of this Charter shall not apply to said ex-officio members. (f) Qualifications. Members of
the Commission, with the exception of up to one (1) community stakeholder, shall have professional or business
experience in the fields of accounting, management or financial analysis as evidenced by being a certified public
accountant, certified management accountant or having earned a degree in business, finance or public administration
or the equivalent thereof from an accredited college or university; or, at least five (5) years of experience as an owner
or manager or financial officer of a business or public or nonprofit administrator or such other qualifications as may be
further defined by Ordinance. In addition to these requirements, including the community stakeholder, the Mayor and
President of the Legislative Council are required to comply with the requirements of §7-1. G of this Charter. (g)
Adherence to Best Practices and Standards. In order to manifest and exemplify the highest standards of conduct
and best municipal finance and budgeting practices, members are required to engage in training sessions offered by
the Government Finance Officers Association, the National League of Cities, United States Conference of Mayors,
Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, their successor organizations or other similar organizations. In the event
such training programs are not available, the Town shall support and fund mandatory training for the members and
programs shall be recommended by the Director of Finance. Said training shall occur not later than six (6) months
following confirmation to the Commission by the Legislative Council, prior to the commencement of a new term and at
the commencement of the third (3rd) year of the term. Failure to participate in training sessions constitutes grounds for
removal from the Finance Commission.
8 Milford Charter Art. VI, Sec. 3 the Council has the ability to reduce or delete items form the budget by majority
vote (present and voting); however, may increase or add or increase items by a vote of 2/3rds of the members present
and voting.
Background Document #4 - 4
Page 17 of 56
Four Charter Revision Proposals
I. Improve Democracy and Voter Participation – Proposed Changes to §4-10. Referendum
Procedure (“Petition for Overrule”): Matters Subject to Referendum; Procedure.
Part 1 – Proposed Changes to §4-10 A
Change from:
Upon a petition of not less than eight percent of the electors of the City . . .
To:
Upon a petition of not less than four percent of the electors of the City . . .
Part 2 – Proposed Changes to §4-10 B and D
Change from:
B. No Ordinance or other exercise of authority shall be subject to referendum unless, within
seven Days of the time that the Ordinance is passed or exercise of authority is taken, a
written request including the particular question or proposal to be subject to referendum is
filed by at least five electors of the City of Norwalk, duly notarized, for the issuance of
forms of petition for the referendum with the City Clerk, together with a fee of twenty-five
dollars.
To:
B. No Ordinance or other exercise of authority shall be subject to referendum unless, within
seven Days of the time that the Ordinance is passed or exercise of authority is taken, a
written request including the particular question or proposal to be subject to referendum is
filed by at least four electors of the City of Norwalk, duly notarized, for the issuance of
forms of petition for the referendum with the City Clerk, together with a fee of two
hundred dollars.
and Change from:
D. No Ordinance or exercise of authority shall be subject to referendum unless,
within twenty-five Days of the mailing of notice in accordance with §4-10.C, there shall
be returned to the City Clerk as a lot by any of the named electors of the aforesaid request
for petition, the petition forms containing the signatures, with addresses, of eight percent
of the electors of the City of Norwalk on the petition forms requesting such referendum
issued by the City Clerk.
To:
Page 18 of 56
D. No Ordinance or exercise of authority shall be subject to referendum unless,
within forty-five Days of the mailing of notice in accordance with §4-10.C, there shall be
returned to the City Clerk as a lot by any of the named electors of the aforesaid request
for petition, the petition forms containing the signatures, with addresses, of four percent
of the electors of the City of Norwalk on the petition forms requesting such referendum
issued by the City Clerk.
II. Improve BET Accountability – Proposed Changes to §7-2 A(2)
Change from:
The members shall be appointed by the Mayor, for a term of four years, subject to
approval by the Common Council as set forth in §7-1.C.
To:
Three members shall be appointed by the Mayor, for a term of four years, subject to
approval by the Common Council as set forth in §7-1.C. Three members shall be
appointed by the Common Council, for a term of four years.
III. Improve Democracy, Fairness of Elections and Representation of Minority Parties -
Proposed Changes to §3-3 A
Change from:
. . . In the event alternate election methods are permitted by Law, the Common Council,
by Ordinance, may alter the methodology utilized in the municipal elections.
To:
. . . In the event alternate election methods are permitted by Law, the Common Council,
by Ordinance, may alter the methodology utilized in the municipal elections. The prior
sentence notwithstanding, in the event Cumulative Voting is permitted by Law, the
Common Council by Ordinance will alter the methodology utilized in the election of At-
Large Councilmembers to utilize Cumulative Voting for the next applicable and all future
municipal elections.
IV. Improve Police Commission Accountability and Governance - Proposed Changes to §7-
2 B (1) (a)
Change from:
Page 19 of 56
There shall be a five-member Police Commission, consisting of four Electors appointed by
the Mayor subject to approval by the Common Council as set forth in §7-1.C. . . . In
addition to the four Electors, the Mayor shall be, ex officio, a voting member and Chair of
the Commission.
To:
There shall be a five-member Police Commission, consisting of two Electors appointed by
the Mayor subject to approval by the Common Council as set forth in §7-1.C, and two
Electors appointed by the Common Council. . . In addition to the four Electors, the Mayor
shall be, ex officio, a voting member and Chair of the Commission. The prior sentence
notwithstanding, the Mayor may recuse himself/herself from being a voting member or
Chair of the Commission if there exists a conflict of interest serving in either role or for
any other reason.
Page 20 of 56
ARTICLE X: BUDGET, PUBLIC FUNDS AND FINANCE
§10-1. The Budget Process1.
A. Cooperation of City Officials and Employees2. The Mayor, Common
Council, Board of Estimate and Taxation, the Board of Education, the Planning and Zoning
Commission, and all other Budgeted Entities (including any Board, Commission, office,
agency, bureau, authority or any other entity receiving or expending City funds or multi-year
state or federal funds or grants, including the Board of Education and the Norwalk Public
Schools) are required to work together and share information, in good faith, throughout the
year in order to develop, approve and implement the budget of the City, which is comprised
of the:
(1) Operating Budget3. The Operating Budget, adopted annually as set Commented [SGM1]: CFO 031425
forth in this Charter, consists of all expected revenues and expenditures and, for the
purposes of short-and long-term financial planning, includes detailed estimates of
revenues and operating expenses, including, but not limited to operating, personnel
and facility maintenance expenses, costs and all expected revenues, as required by
this Charter and any related Ordinances. The Operating Budget is funded primarily
through local property taxes; intergovernmental revenue, licenses, fees, charges for
services, fines, interest and other sources of revenue.
(2) Capital Budget and Capital Improvement Plan4. The Capital Budget, Commented [SGM2]: CFO 031425
adopted annually as set forth in this Charter, consists of expected costs of
improvements to City facilities infrastructure, and long-term assets that are
contemplated to be financed through borrowing and grants and the Capital
Improvement Plan that includes a Ten-Year Program of Capital Expenditures, of
which years 2 – 10 are non-binding.
All Public Officials and employees of the City are required to utilize commonly accepted
practices and to aspire to employing best practices in the field of municipal and public finance.
In order to comply with Law and with the generally accepted accounting principles (or any
successor policies thereto) Public Officials and employees of the City must embrace
principles of accountability, transparency, and outreach in order to expand public
participation, engagement, and trust in the budgetary process of the City.
B. Fiscal Year5. The fiscal year of the City begins on July 1st and ends on June
30th of the succeeding year.
1 NEW (2023)
2 NEW (2023).
3 2025 revision of §10-1.A(1) which was adopted in the 2023 Charter.
4 2025 revision of §10-1.A(2) which was adopted in the 2023 Charter. The 2023 revision was derived from §30-1 of
the Code of Ordinances. Note: Chapter 30 of the Code of Ordinances was adopted by the City of Norwalk Common
Council 4-24-1958. Amendments noted where applicable.
5 2023 Recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Eleventh sentences). Derived from
(Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 400,
§ 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197, § 6;
Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
031925 Revision - 1
Page 21 of 56
C. The Budget: A Public Record.
(1) Public Inspection6. The budget documents, comprised of the
proposed Operating Budget and Capital Budget, as public records must be filed in
the office of the City Clerk. Following Public Notice the budget documents must be
(a) available for public inspection at the Office of the City Clerk, during regular office
hours; and (b) posted on the City’s website or electronic media or at public facilities
including libraries and schools, as may be determined by the Mayor or the Common
Council. Physical copies of the budget must be available promptly upon request
following the filing with the Clerk, subject to a reasonable charge as permitted by
Law.
(2) Public Engagement7. The Mayor, Common Council, Board of
Estimate and Taxation, Board of Education, and Planning and Zoning Commission
must develop and publicize procedures designed to encourage public participation
in the budget process. The Common Council has the legislative authority to enact
Ordinances to implement these provisions of the Charter.
(3) Budget Calendar8. Not later than the first week in September of each
year, the Chief Financial Officer is required to publish a budget calendar, including
procedural rules, in order to inform the public of the significant milestones in the
budget process
(4) Initial Joint Public Hearings9. On or before October 1st in each year,
joint public hearings for the purpose of eliciting comments and ideas from members of
the public prior to the development of the Operating and Capital Budgets for the
subsequent fiscal year must be conducted by the (a) Mayor; (b) Chief Financial Officer;
(c) President of the Common Council; (d) Chair(s) of the Council committee(s)
authorized to review the budget; (e) Chair pro tempore of the Board of Education; (f)
Superintendent of the Norwalk Public Schools; (g) Chief Financial Officer of the
Norwalk Public Schools; (h) Chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission, and (i) a Commented [SGM3]: CFO 021625
member of the Board of Estimate and Taxation designated by the Mayor.
D. Authority to Require Operating Budget and Capital Budget Information10. Commented [SGM4]: SGM consolidation based
The Mayor has the authority to require each Department Head and responsible officer for upon CFO 021625
each Budgeted Entity, including the Norwalk Public Schools under the auspices of the Board
of Education, to submit to the Mayor or a designee the following:
(1) estimates of revenue and requests for expenditures for the Operating
Budget in the ensuing fiscal year11; and
6 NEW (2023)
7 NEW (2023)
8 NEW (2023).
9 2025 revision of §10-1.C(4) which was adopted in the 2023 Charter.
10 2025 recodification and revision of §10-2.A which was new provision added to the Charter in 2023.
11 2025 recodification of §10-2.A(1)
031925 Revision - 2
Page 22 of 56
(2) estimates of the cost of Capital Budget Items pending or which should be
undertaken within the next and nine succeeding fiscal years, including a detailed budget
by project for expected Capital Budget Items the next fiscal year, shall be submitted by
each Department annually in the form and manner prescribed by the Chief Financial
Officer under the authority of the Mayor12;
(3) any additional information which the Departments possess (including,
but not limited to, records, books, accounts, contracts, reports and other papers and
documents as specified by the Mayor (or the Mayor’s designee) all of which are
necessary to discharge the duties imposed upon the Mayor by this Charter13; and,
(4) all special revenue, equity assistance and enterprise funds, if any14.
E. Submission of Operating Budget and Capital Budget Estimates15. Each Commented [SGM5]: SGM consolidation based
Department Head and responsible officer for each Budgeted Entity, including the Norwalk upon CFO 021625.
Public Schools under the auspices of the Board of Education, through their Department Head
or other responsible officer, in conjunction with the assigned Division Chief, is required, on or Commented [SGM6]: CFO WANTS TO DELETE
before December 15th of each year, to submit and report the following: Commented [SGM7]: RECLOMMENDED BY
COUNSEL.
(1) Operating Budget Estimate16. To the Mayor or designee, a detailed
estimate of the amount of Operating Budget moneys requested by the respective
Departments or other Budgeted Entities (including the Board of Education and
Norwalk Public Schools) for the ensuing fiscal year, giving details as prescribed by the
Chief Financial Officer17; and,
(2) Capital Budget Items Estimate18. To the Mayor or designee and the
Planning and Zoning Commission a detailed estimate of all Capital Budget Items,
which, in the judgment of each Department Head and responsible officer, in
conjunction with the assigned Division Chief, should be undertaken within the Ten- Commented [SGM8]: RECLOMMENDED BY
Year Program of Capital Expenditures, including the proposed Capital Budget for the COUNSEL.
ensuing year. Commented [SGM9]: CFO 031525
These estimates shall be known as "Operating Budget and Capital Budget Estimates” and
shall be prepared and submitted on a form the Chief Financial Officer shall prescribe. Upon
12 NEW (2025)
13 2025 recodification of §10-2.A(2).
14 NEW (2025)
15 2025 recodification of §10-2.B and 10-11.
16 2025 recodification and revision of §10-2.B which is derived from the 2023 adaptation, modification and recodification
of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Twelfth sentence). Derived from (Sp. Laws 1913, No.
352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933,
No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197, § 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-
1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the general election held 11-5-
1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the general election held 11-2-
1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter.
17 2023 repeal current Article V, Part 4 – Department of Finance §1-239.D. Added by Charter Amendment 8-29-1978,
§4; Charter Amendment 11-8-2005, as follows: “Each Department Head shall submit to the Chief Financial Officer or
other officer designated by the Mayor, a true copy of its proposed annual budget or any proposed changes or additions
on or before the fifteenth (15th) day of December in each year.” Historical Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at
the general election held 11-7-1978
18 2025 recodification and revision of §10-11 which was a new provision adopted in 2023. It was derived from §30-5 of
the Code of Ordinances. Amended 11-27-1968; 9-28-2021
031925 Revision - 3
Page 23 of 56
Public Notice, these estimates shall be public records and shall be open for inspection at all
reasonable times.
Annual Operating Budget
§10-2. Operating Budget Estimates.
A. Submission of Operating Budget Estimates19. In accordance with §10- Commented [SGM10]: SGM consolidation in Sec.
1.E(1), above. 10-1.D(1) based upon CFO 021625.
B. Budget Preview: Joint Committees20. On or before January 21st in each Commented [SGM11]: CFO 021625
year, the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Norwalk Public Schools
shall meet with the members of the committee(s) of jurisdiction of the Council and Board of
Education in order to review the pre-submission Operating Budget priorities (“Joint
Committees”). The Joint Committees shall eliciting comments and ideas from members of
the public during this meeting.
The Proposed Mayor’s Operating Budget
§10-3. Submission of the Mayor’s Proposed Operating Budget to the Board of Estimate
and Taxation21 and Common Council22.
The Mayor or the Mayor’s designee must submit to the Board of Estimate and Taxation
and the Common Council on or before February 15th of each year, the Mayor’s Proposed Commented [SGM12]: CFO 021625
Operating Budget, comprised of the following:
A. Narrative and Recommendations23. The Mayor’s narrative and
recommendation on the contents of the Proposed Operating Budget and
B. Department and Other Budgeted Entity Estimates, including the Norwalk
Public Schools under the auspices of the Board of Education24. An estimate of the
amounts requested by each Budgeted Entity (including the line-item requests and narrative
of the particulars proposed by the Board of Education) giving the particulars as far as possible
and recommending appropriations for all the expenses of the City (including the proposed
total Board of Education appropriation) and recommending a mil rate applied to the assessed
19 2025 revision and merger in §10-1.D(1).
20 NEW (2025)
21 2023 adaptation, modification and recodification of current Article V, Part 4 – Department of Finance §1-239.D.
Added by Charter Amendment 8-29-1978, §4; Charter Amendment 11-8-2005. Historical Editor's Note: Approved by
the electorate at the general election held 11-7-1978.
22 2023 adaptation, modification and recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289
(Thirteenth and fourteenth sentences). Derived from (Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp.
Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp.
Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197, § 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974
[Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976
[Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996;
Charter
23 2023 adaptation, modification and recodification of current Article V, Part 4 – Department of Finance §1-239.D. See,
derivations in fn #17, above.
24 2023 adaptation, modification and recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289
(Thirteenth and fourteenth sentences). See, derivations in fn #18, above.
031925 Revision - 4
Page 24 of 56
value of property (the sum of which for the City is referred to as the Grand List) as deemed
necessary to meet the expenses of the City, after deducting the amount of the available
revenue for the fiscal year as well as any other necessary adjustments.
§10-4. Notice and Publication of the Mayor’s Proposed Operating Budget25.
. The Chief Financial Officer or other designee of the Mayor must post the Mayor’s
Proposed Operating Budget, in accordance with the Public Notice provisions of this Charter
or as further required by Ordinance, at least five Days before the fourth Monday of February
of each year.
§10-5. Review by the Common Council.
A. Maximum Limit on Total Appropriations26. The Common Council must, at
a meeting thereof to be held on or before February 28th of each year, adopt by a resolution
approved by an affirmative vote of a majority of the entire membership of the Council, a
maximum limit on total appropriations for the City as an amendment to the Mayor’s Proposed
Operating Budget for the ensuing fiscal year and cause the same to be communicated to the
Board of Estimate and Taxation.
B. Exemption from the Referendum Provisions of this Charter27. The
Common Council resolution is exempted from the application of §4-10.
C. Exemption of Grants from Maximum Taxation28. Any grants from private,
state, or federal sources received after the adoption of any maximum taxation by the Common
Council under this section are exempted from the maximum limitation.
25 2023 adaptation, modification and recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289
(Thirteenth and fourteenth sentences). Derived from (Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp.
Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp.
Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197, § 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974
[Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976
[Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996;
Charter
26 2023 Recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Fifteenth sentence). Derived from
(Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 400,
§ 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197, § 6;
Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
27 2023 Recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Sixteenth sentence). Derived
from (Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No.
400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197,
§ 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
28 2023 Recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Seventeenth sentence). Derived
from (Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No.
400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197,
§ 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
031925 Revision - 5
Page 25 of 56
§10-6. Board of Estimate and Taxation Deliberations on the Mayor’s Proposed
Operating Budget29.
The Board of Estimate and Taxation must hold one or more meetings on or before
March 30th of each year including at least one Public Hearing at which it shall hear from all
parties who desire to be heard, relative to any alterations in the estimates. Thereafter the
Board may make any alterations, increases and decreases in the Mayor’s Proposed
Operating Budget and make the additional appropriations, as it deems proper.
§10-7. Transmittal of Board of Estimate and Taxation’s Approved Operating Budget to
the Common Council.
A. Submission of Statement of Appropriations and Tax Rates to Common
Council30. The Board of Estimate and Taxation, having made alterations, increases, and
decreases, if any, is required to prepare a statement of appropriations and tax rates which it
proposes to make and levy, and cause the same to be forwarded to the Common Council not
later than April 1st of each year.
B. Deliberations of the Common Council31. The Common Council may, at a
regular or special meeting to be held not later than April 15th of each year, amend the
maximum limit of total appropriations for the City for the ensuing fiscal year by an affirmative
vote of two-thirds of the entire membership of the Council.
C. Exemption from the Referendum Provisions of this Charter32. The
Common Council vote is exempted from the application of §4-10.
§10-8. Final Actions by Board of Estimate and Taxation.
29 2023 Recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Eighteenth sentence). Derived
from (Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No.
400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197,
§ 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
30 2023 adaptation and recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Nineteenth
sentence). Derived from (Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8;
Sp. Laws 1921, No. 400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp.
Laws 1967, No. 197, § 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by
the electorate at the general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the
electorate at the general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
31 2023 Recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Twentieth sentence). Derived
from (Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No.
400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197,
§ 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
32 2023 Recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Twenty-first sentence). Derived
from (Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No.
400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197,
§ 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
031925 Revision - 6
Page 26 of 56
A. Alteration to Common Council Limits33. The Board of Estimate and
Taxation must thereupon make alterations in the Proposed Operating Budget, including the
tax rates, as are necessary to comply with the limit set by the Common Council, and shall
prepare a Final Approved Operating Budget, including tax rates, which it proposes to make
and levy in accordance therewith.
B. Notice and Publication34. The Board of Estimate and Taxation is required to
post the Approved Operating Budget as set forth in §10-8.A in accordance with the Public
Notice provisions of this Charter or as further required by Ordinance, no later than April 30th
of each year.
C. Final Alterations of Proposed Operating Budget, including Tax Rates35.
The Board of Estimate and Taxation must hold a meeting no later than May 7th of each year
for the purpose of making further alterations in the estimates, appropriations, and tax rates
as it shall deem proper. The Board is authorized to make appropriations and lay taxes at the
meeting. Finally, the Board may fix the time or times when any tax approved by it shall
become due and payable, and may divide the altered tax levy and make the same payable
in two or more installments, as authorized by the General Statutes36. Commented [SGM13]: CFO 021625
D. No Further Action by Common Council37. No appropriation made at the
meeting held pursuant to §10-8.C shall require the approval of the Common Council;
provided, however, that the total amount of the approved appropriations shall not exceed the
maximum limit established by the Council as hereinabove provided.
E. Actions Subject to Referendum Provisions of the Charter38. The actions
of the Board of Estimate and Taxation at the meeting held pursuant to §10-8.C are subject to
the provisions of §4-10.
§10-9. Appropriations Shall Not Exceed Estimate of Revenues39.
33 2023 Recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Twenty-second sentence).
Derived from (Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws
1921, No. 400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967,
No. 197, § 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by the
electorate at the general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the
electorate at the general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
34 2023 Modification and recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Twenty-second
sentence). See, derivations in fn #31.
35 2025 revision of the 2023 modification and recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-
289 (Twenty-third sentence). Derived from (Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws
1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws
1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197, § 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's
Note: Approved by the electorate at the general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's
Note: Approved by the electorate at the general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
36 Comment of the 2025 Charter Revision Commission. At the time of the adoption of this provision
the authority for installment payment, C.G.S. §12-142.
37 2023 Recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Twenty-fourth sentence). See
derivations in fn #33.
38 2023 Recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Twenty-fifth sentence). See
derivations in fn. #33.
39 2023 Recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Twenty-sixth sentence). Derived
from (Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No.
400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197,
§ 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
031925 Revision - 7
Page 27 of 56
The Board of Estimate and Taxation is not authorized to make appropriations in excess of
the estimate of revenues made by it for any year, and in no case shall the expenses of the
City exceed their respective estimated revenues (including tax revenues) for any year, except
for the purposes for which the City is authorized to issue bonds, and only when bonds are so
issued.
§10-10. Limitations on Expenditures and Revenues; Action by Board of Estimate and
Common Council.
A. Limits on Expenditures; Special Appropriations and Exemption from
Maximum Limit40. No money other than that appropriated as aforesaid by the Board of
Estimate and Taxation in the final budget shall be expended unless a special appropriation
therefor has been provided by the Board of Estimate and Taxation at a special meeting
called for that purpose and has been approved by a Majority Vote of the Council. Any Commented [SGM14]: CFO WANTS TO REPEAL
special appropriation approved in the manner herein set forth is exempted from the maximum
limit established by the Council as hereinabove provided.
B. Special Appropriations41. If a special appropriation in excess of the
unappropriated revenues of the City is required, an estimate of the same must be prepared
by the Chief Financial Officer and submitted to the Board of Estimate and Taxation at a
special meeting called for that purpose. The Board, at the called meeting or an Commented [SGM15]: CFO WANTS TO REPEAL
adjournment thereof, is authorized to make any special appropriation, and to lay a special tax
to meet the same; however, no special appropriation may be made unless available General
Fund resources or a special tax is sufficient to cover the amount when the special Commented [SGM16]: CFO 031425.
appropriation is in excess of the unappropriated revenues of the City and unless the special
WHAT IS A “GENERAL FUND RESOURCE”?
tax has been approved by a Majority Vote of the Council.
C. Specific Purpose Appropriations42. Any appropriation, regular or special, for
any specific purpose, shall not be expended for any other purpose and, if unexpended, shall
be transferred into the treasury sixty days after the expiration of the fiscal year for which it is
made. All appropriations so made shall remain on the books of the City to the credit of the
specific purposes for which they are made for sixty days after the expiration of the fiscal year
for which they are made, for the purpose of paying bills lawfully contracted during the fiscal
year which are properly chargeable to the specific purpose appropriations.
general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
40 2023 Recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Twenty-seventh and twenty-
eighth sentences).
41 2023 Recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Thirtieth sentence). Derived from
(Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 400,
§ 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197, § 6;
Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
42 2023 Recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Thirty-first and thirty-second
sentences). Derived from (Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8;
Sp. Laws 1921, No. 400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp.
Laws 1967, No. 197, § 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by
the electorate at the general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the
electorate at the general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
031925 Revision - 8
Page 28 of 56
The Capital Budget
§10-11. Submission of Estimate of Capital Budget Items43. Commented [SGM17]: SGM consolidation in Sec.
10-1.D(2) based upon CFO 021625.
The estimates of Capital Budget Items shall be submitted in accordance with §10-
1.E(1), above.
§10-12. Chief Financial Officer’s Report44. Commented [SGM18]: CFO 021625
Following the receipt of estimates for Capital Budget Items and not later than
February 1st of each year, the Chief Financial Officer must submit a report on the Ten-Year
Program of Capital Expenditures to the Board of Estimate and Taxation, the Common Commented [SGM19]: CFO 031425
Council, and the Planning and Zoning Commission the amount of the expenditures
requested and the Chief Financial Officer’s:
A. Estimates of the effect of the proposed expenditures upon the current budget
and the bonded indebtedness for the succeeding years; and
B. Recommendations relative thereto.
The Chief Financial Officer is required to send said Report to the Department Heads or
responsible officers for each of the Budgeted Entities that have submitted requests for
inclusion in the Capital Improvement Plan. Commented [SGM20]: CFO 031425
§10-13. Review by the Planning and Zoning Commission45.
A. Public Hearings. On or before February 15th in each year, the Planning and Commented [SGM21]: CFO 021625
Zoning Commission is required to hold a Public Hearing on the proposed Ten-Year Capital Commented [SGM22]: CFO WANT DISCRETION
Improvement Plan, at which time the Mayor, Department Heads and responsible officers of (“MAY”).
other Budgeted Entities, including the Board of Education; the Chief Financial Officer;
members of the Board of Estimate and Taxation; members of the Common Council and
members of the public may be heard for the sole purpose of discussing the alignment of the
estimates for Capital Budget Items with the City’s Plan of Conservation and Development for
each of these years. The hearing may be continued. if deemed necessary ensure the record
is complete.
B. Role of the Planning and Zoning Commission. The sole function of the Commented [SGM23]: CFO 031425
Planning and Zoning Commission is to ensure that each Capital Budget Item in the proposed
Ten-Year Capital Improvement Plan not previously approved is consistent with the City’s Plan
of Conservation and Development.
C. Production of Information. The Planning and Zoning Commission may
require the production of all pertinent data with respect to the proposed estimates, including
43 2025 revision and merger into §10-1.D(2).
44 2025 revision of §10-12, which was adopted in 2023 and derived from §30-6 of the Code of Ordinances.
Amended
11-27-1968; 9-28-2021
45 Revision of §10-13 which was adopted in 2023 and derived from §30-7 of the Code of Ordinances. Amended 3-10-
1959; 9-28-2021.
031925 Revision - 9
Page 29 of 56
but not limited to, preliminary plans, sketches, layouts and surveys insofar as the information
is necessary to assess the alignment of the proposed estimates with the City’s Plan of
Conservation and Development.
D. Report of the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Planning and Zoning
Commission must thereupon prepare a report setting forth its determination as to whether
each proposed Capital Budget Item for the ensuing fiscal year is or is not consistent with Commented [SGM24]: SAME ISSUE: DEFINED
the City’s Plan of Conservation and Development (“POCD Report”). The Planning and Zoning TERM.
Commission shall deliver the POCD Report to the Mayor as provided in §10-14 and also to
the Common Council, Board of Estimate and Taxation and Chief Financial Officer.
E. Transmittal of the Report46. The proposed Capital Budget, including the Ten Commented [SGM25]: CFO 021625
Year Capital Improvement Plan and the POCD Report, must thereupon, on or before March Commented [SGM26]: CFO 031425.
5th of each year, be transmitted to the Mayor for review and recommendations. However, the
Mayor may not include therein any new Capital Budget Items without first submitting them CFO (031425): “SHOULD REFERENCE TO THE
MAYOR’S REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS BE
to the Planning and Zoning Commission for its determination in accordance with this
MOVED TO 10-14 - THE END OF THE FIRST
section. SENTENCE AND THE FULL SECOND SENTENCE?”
§10-14. Review by the Mayor; Transmittal to Board of Estimate and Taxation and
Common Council.
A. Mayoral Review47. In the event the Planning and Zoning Commission
determines that any proposed new Capital Budget Item is not consistent with the City’s
Plan of Conservation and Development, this fact shall be recorded by the Mayor when
submitting the Mayor’s proposed Capital Budget to the Board of Estimate and Taxation and
the Common Council.
B. Transmittal by the Mayor to the Board of Estimate and Taxation and
Common Council48. The Mayor’s proposed Capital Budget must be transmitted to the Commented [SGM27]: CFO 021625
Board of Estimate and Taxation and the Common Council on or before March 15th of each Commented [SGM28]: COUNSEL RECOMMENDS
year. THAT THE COUNCIL RECEIVE THE MAYOR’S
TRANSMITTAL SIMULTENOUSLY WITH THE BET,
SINCE ALL THE BET IS GOING TO DO IS
§10-15. Transmittal of Recommendations by the Board of Estimate and Taxation.
COMMENT AND RECOMMEND.
A. Adoption of Resolution. The Board of Estimate and Taxation is required to
adopt a Resolution, adopted by an affirmative vote of a majority of the entire membership of
the Board. The Resolution is required to set forth its written recommendations pertaining to
the Mayor’s Proposed Capital Budget for the ensuing fiscal year and cause the same to be
transmitted to the Common Council, as set forth below49. Commented [SGM29]: CFO 021625
(1) Content of Recommendations. The recommendations of the Board
46 2025 recodification and edit of §10-14 (first sentence) which was adopted in 2023 and derived from §30-8 of the
Code of Ordinances. Amended 11-27-1968; 9-28-2021.
47 2025 recodification of the second sentence of §10-14 and revision by transferring the first sentence to 10-13.E,
above. This provision was adopted in 2023 and derived from §30-8 of the Code of Ordinances. Amended 11-27-1968;
9-28-2021.
48 2025 recodification of §10-15.A which was adopted in 2023 and derived from §30-9 of the Code of Ordinances.
Amended 11-27-1968; 9-28-2021.
49 NEW (2025).
031925 Revision - 10
Page 30 of 56
of Estimate and Taxation are a written expression of its judgment with respect to the
amount of funds the Mayor has proposed to expend in the Capital Budget and the
effect the expenditures will, in its opinion, have upon the operating expenses and
credit of the City50. Commented [SGM30]: COUNSEL REVISIONS
(031925)
(2) Further Recommendations.. Said transmittal shall incorporate therein WHAT IS IT WE ARE TRYING TO ACHIEVE? MY
recommendations as the Mayor, the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Chief IMPRESSION IS THAT WE WANT A SITUAIOTN
Financial Officer may make51. WHERE THE MAYOR SENDS THE BUDGET, BET
SIMPLY PROVIDES RECOMMENDATIONS. THE
ALTERNATIVE IS FOR THE BET TO “SET THE
B. Transmittal by the Board of Estimate and Taxation to the Common CAP” AS IS THE CASE FOR THE COUNCIL ON THE
Council. Following approval of its written recommendations on the Mayor’s proposed OPERATING SIDE OF THE BUDGET.
Capital Budget, the Board of Estimate and Taxation is required to forward the same to the Commented [SGM31]: IS THIS NECESSARY?
Common Council on or before April 1st of each year52. The Council is not required to take (031925)
into account any recommendations of the Board of Estimate and Taxation if not in writing or Commented [SGM32]: CFO 021625
transmitted on or before April 1st of each year53.
C. Transfers to Operating Budget54. The Board of Estimate and Taxation may
transfer from the Mayor’s proposed Capital Budget to the Operating Budget all or part of any
capital items it believes may feasibly be included in the Operating Budget for the ensuing year.
D. Exemption from the Referendum Provisions of this Charter55. The
Common Council resolution is exempted from the application of §4-10.
§10-16. Adoption of Capital Budget.
A. Actions of the Common Council. Upon receipt of the recommendations of
the Board of Estimate and Taxation, the Common Council may approve, reject, reduce or
reinstate any item in the Mayor’s proposed Capital Budget by a Majority Vote of the Council
within the maximum limits of the total Capital Budget established by the Mayor56. Commented [SGM33]: CFO 021625
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Common Council may, not later than April 15th of each
year, amend the maximum limit of total Capital Budget for the ensuing fiscal year by an
affirmative vote of two-thirds of the entire membership of the Council57. Commented [SGM34]: SGM NOTE TO CREATE AN
AUTHORITY SIMILIAR TO THE POWER IN THE
GENERAL FUND PROCESS.
(1) Reinstatement. Reinstatement means all multi-year Capital Items or
projects approved in the current Ten-Year Capital Improvement Plan that are not
included in the Mayor’s proposed Capital Budget.
(2) Deadline for Approval58. The Common Council must thereupon approve the
50 2025 recodification and minor revision of the last clause of §10-15.B which was adopted in 2023 and derived from
§30-9 of the Code of Ordinances. Amended 11-27-1968; 9-28-2021.
51 2025 recodification of the last clause of the second sentence of §10-15.A.
52 2025 revision of §10-15.B which was adopted in 2023 and derived from §30-9 of the Code of Ordinances. Amended
11-27-1968; 9-28-2021. The last clause was recodified as §10-15.A(1).
53 NEW (2025).
54 NEW (2023). Derived from §30-9 of the Code of Ordinances. Amended 11-27-1968; 9-28-2021.
55 NEW (2025).
56 2025 revision of §10-16.A which was adopted in 2023 and derived from §30-10 of the Code of Ordinances. Amended
11-27-1968; 9-28-2021.
57 NEW (2025)
58 NEW (2023). Derived from §30-10 of the Code of Ordinances. Amended 11-27-1968; 9-28-2021.
031925 Revision - 11
Page 31 of 56
proposed Capital Budget, as amended, on or before April 15th of each year, when it shall be
certified to the Chief Financial Officer. Any item not rejected or reduced by the Common
Council is deemed approved by the Council.
(3) Items Deemed Inconsistent with the Plan of Conservation and
Development59. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article, if any proposed
Capital Budget Item has been determined by the Planning and Zoning Commission not to be
consistent with the City’s Plan of Conservation and Development, the designated item or
items shall not be included in any Capital Budget or otherwise funded unless and until it has
been approved by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Council, present and voting.
(4) Public Hearings60. The Common Council through its committee(s) of Commented [SGM35]: SGM NOTE,
jurisdiction is required to hold one or more meetings and at least one Public Hearing at which
it shall hear from all parties who desire to be heard, relative to any alterations in the Mayor’s
Proposed Capital Improvement Plan. Thereafter the Council may take such actions as set Commented [SGM36]: CFO 031425
forth in §10-15.A, above.
§10-17. Allotments and Recommendations for Termination or Abandonment of Capital
Budget Items61.
A. Allotments62. Funds set aside for a Capital Budget Item shall be deemed to
have been allotted for that purpose only.
B. Termination or Abandonment: Actions of Planning and Zoning
Commission and Common Council63. Any Capital Budget Item shall lapse if not
implemented with four years of authorization by the Common Council. On or before
November 1st of each year, the Chief Financial Officer shall submit to the Common Council a
report that identifies the status of projects that are scheduled to lapse within the following 12
months. The Common Council may continue an authorization for a project or projects by a
majority vote of the Council. Thereafter, the Planning and Zoning Commission is required, Commented [SGM37]: CFO 031425
within thirty days after the receipt of the Mayor’s notice, to forward its recommendations to
the Common Council. The Council must hold a Public Hearing thereon. In the event of
approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Mayor's request, a Majority Vote of
the Council is required for concurrence; in the event of disapproval, the Commission shall
communicate its reasons to the Council, which shall have the power to overrule the
disapproval of the Commission by a recorded Majority Vote of the Council.
C. Unencumbered Funds64. Any and all unencumbered funds that constitute a
surplus of funds allocated for Capital Budget Items that have been completed, terminated, or
abandoned shall revert to a capital budget surplus account which shall be used to reduce the
net capital budget for the succeeding year, except when the surplus funds are used to finance
additional obligations as provided for in §10-20 of this Charter.
59 NEW (2023). Derived from §30-10 of the Code of Ordinances. Amended 11-27-1968; 9-28-2021.
60 NEW (2025).
61 NEW (2023). Derived from §30-10.1 of the Code of Ordinances. Added 1-24-1961; amended 5-13-2003; 9-28-2021.
62 NEW (2023). Derived from §30-10.1.B (First sentence) of the Code of Ordinances
63 2025 revision of §10-17.B which was adopted in 2023 and derived from §30-10.1.B (Fourth and fifth sentences) of
the Code of Ordinances
64 NEW (2023). Derived from §30-10.1.C of the Code of Ordinances
031925 Revision - 12
Page 32 of 56
§10-18. Restrictions65.
No obligations of the City are authorized nor expenditures made or permitted in any
fiscal year for or on account of the Capital Budget unless the obligations or expenditures were
included in the Capital Budget as finally approved for that fiscal year or a prior year, except
provided in this Charter or by Ordinance.
§10-19. Financing Additional Obligations66.
A. Unforeseeable or Emergency Conditions. Requests for additional
obligations to the capital budget shall not be approved unless the request is made necessary
by unforeseeable or emergency conditions.
B. Contents of Request. Any request under this provision shall be accompanied
by a statement from the Chief Financial Officer setting forth, the following: (1) the necessity
for using Capital Budget funds rather than financing through the Operating Budget; and, (2)
recommendations as to the most feasible and economical measures to finance the additional
obligations.
C. Sources of Funding. Sources of the proposed financing recommendations Commented [SGM38]: CFO 021625.
may be either from overall surplus from any previous bond issue for capital budgets or from
JARED: LET’S TALK ABOUT THE GO BOND
the issuance of notes, each of which shall be designated "bond anticipation notes" and which LANGUAGE.
may be renewed from time to time through utilization of funds from Capital Budget Items that
have been terminated, abandoned, or lapsed. However, all the notes of any fiscal year and
any renewals thereof shall be paid from the proceeds of the next regular capital
improvements bond issue.
D. Action of the Common Council67.. Additional obligations may be authorized
and expenditures made provided that the additional obligations or expenditures are
specifically recommended, in writing, by the Mayor to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Within ten days after receipt thereof, the Commission is required to forward the same to the
Common Council with its recommendations relative thereto. Except as otherwise provided in
§10-16, the Common Council may thereupon, by a Majority Vote of the Council, approve,
reduce or reject all or any part thereof.
§10-20. Financing Recommendations68.
On or before June 1st of each year, the Chief Financial Officer is required to transmit
to the Common Council and the Board of Estimate and Taxation recommendations in respect
to the most feasible and economic measures to finance the capital budget for the ensuing
fiscal year. These bodies, at an appropriate time, must adopt the Resolutions necessary to
give force and effect to the financing of the capital budget in accordance with the provisions
of the Charter relating thereto.
65 NEW (2023). Derived from §30-11 of the Code of Ordinances. Amended 9-28-2021.
66 NEW (2023). Derived from §30-11.1 of the Code of Ordinances. Added 1-24-1961; amended 9-28-2021.
67 NEW (2023). Derived from §30-11 of the Code of Ordinances. Amended 9-28-2021.
68 NEW (2023). Derived from §30-12 of the Code of Ordinances. Amended 11-27-1968; 9-28-2021.
031925 Revision - 13
Page 33 of 56
§10-21. Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Estimate and Taxation, and
Common Council Required to Conduct Public Hearings69. Commented [SGM39]: CFO 031425: WANTS TO
ELIMINATE “PLANNING AND ZONING
COMMISSION”
In accordance with the Public Notice and Public Hearing provisions of this Charter,
the Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Estimate and Taxation, and the Common
Council are each required to hold at least one and, each in its discretion, as many Public
Hearings on the Capital Budget, including the Ten-Year Program Capital Improvement Plan Commented [SGM40]: CFO 031425
as either or both of them may deem necessary to ascertain the opinion of the public on the
matters under consideration. The Public Hearings shall permit public participation within the
parameters of the rules of the Commission, Board or Council in order to facilitate the
submission of views and information relative to a matter on which a decision of each of the
entities is pending.
Capital Budget Administration
§10-22. Implementation and Oversight of the Capital Budget Projects70.
The Common Council must enact an Ordinance pertaining to the implementation and
oversight of the Capital Budget projects.
Borrowing
§10-23. Issuance Authorized: Procedures71.
The City has the authority and power to incur indebtedness by issuing its bonds or notes for
such purposes, upon such terms and to such extent as is authorized by the General
Statutes. Each such bond or note shall be signed in the name of the City by the manual or
facsimile signature of the Mayor, Chief Financial Officer, and Comptroller and have the seal
of the City or a facsimile thereof affixed. No bonds or notes shall be approved by the Mayor
and Common Council until the amount and purpose thereof shall be approved by the Board
of Estimate and Taxation at a meeting duly called and held therefor. The Board of Estimate
and Taxation, at a meeting held in the fiscal year in which such bonds or notes are issued,
shall make a sufficient appropriation to pay all bonds or notes so issued during such fiscal
year and such bonds or notes shall be paid from such appropriation when it shall become
available.
69 NEW (2023). Derived from §30-13 of the Code of Ordinances. Amended 9-28-2021.
70 NEW (2023).
71 2023 modification and recodification of (1) current Article IV. The Common Council. §1-200. Derived from Sp. Laws
1929, No. 101, §1. Historical editor's Note: See also § 1-189; § 1-226; (2) current Article IV. The Common Council.
§1-201. Derived from Sp. Laws 1929, No. 101, §2. Historical editor's Note: See also Art. VI; and, (3) Current Article IV.
The Common Council. §1-202. Derived from Sp. Laws 1929, No. 101, §2. Historical Editor's Note: A Charter
Amendment, adopted 9-2-1980 and approved by the electorate at the general election held 11-4-1980, repealed former
Article XX, Miscellaneous Bond Issues, which was comprised of the following sections: §§ 1-616 (Sp. Laws 1919, No.
123); 1-617 through 1-619 (Sp. Laws 1921, No. 297, §§ 1 to 3); 1-620 through 1-624 (Sp. Laws 1921, No. 222, §§ 1 to
5); 1-625 through 1-631 (Sp. Laws 1937, No. 73, §§ 1 to 7); 1-632 through 1-637 (Sp. Laws 1945, No. 202, §§ 1 to 6);
1-638 through 1-644 (Sp. Laws 1947, No. 326, §§ 1 to 7); 1-645 through 1-648 (Sp. Laws 1951, No. 523, §§ 1 to 4); 1-
649 through 1-653 (Sp. Laws 1953, No. 209, §§ 1 to 5); 1-654 through 1-658 (Sp. Laws 1953, No. 300, §§ 1 to 5).
These sections shall be maintained for record purposes in a separate book entitled "Bond Issues of the City of Norwalk,
the First, the Second, the Third and the Sixth Taxing Districts." Copies of such compilation shall be kept in the offices
of the City Clerk and Town Clerk and in the Finance Department. § 1-616. through § 1-658. (Reserved)
031925 Revision - 14
Page 34 of 56
Referenda
§10-24. Referendum Procedure.
See §4-10 of this Charter.
§2-2.B(7). Capital Budget72 means the first Fiscal Year of the Ten-Year Program of Commented [SGM41]: CFO 021625
Capital Expenditures for which it is proposed for the purpose of authorizing expenditures
during such fiscal year.
§2-2.B(8). Capital Budget Items73 means all individual expenditures in excess of
Twenty-five Thousand ($25,000) Dollars (or an increased amount set forth by Ordinance) to
be utilized in more than one fiscal year, other than for ordinary operating expenses, which
shall be requested or expended for improvements to City facilities, infrastructure and long-
term assets. These Capital Budget Items shall include, but not be limited to, acquisition of
property, the construction or remodeling of schools, public buildings and structures of
whatever nature, highways, parks, sanitary sewers, sewage and garbage-disposal plants,
drainage systems, rehabilitation of blighted areas and for machinery and other facilities
having a usable expectancy of at least two years, for which the credit of the City shall,
usually but not always, be pledged by the issuance of bonds, notes or other certificates of
indebtedness.
§2-2.B(17). Ten-Year Program of Capital Expenditures74 means a comprehensive Commented [SGM42]: CFO 021625
long-tern financial plan that identifies and prioritizes expected needs based on a strategic
OTHER REVISIONS RECOMMENDED BY COUNSEL
plan, establishes project scope and cost, details estimate amounts of funding from various
sources and projects future operating and maintenance costs. Department Heads of each of
the Budgeted Entities, in conjunction with the assigned Division Chief, are responsible for
preparing the plan in the manner prescribed by this Charter. The first year of the ten-year
projections is referred to as the “Capital Budget."
§7-2. Boards and Commission Established by the Charter.
A. Board of Estimate and Taxation75. Commented [SGM43]: STRUCTURE OF BOARDOF
ESTNIATE: (A) ELECTED? (B) APPOINTED BY MAYOR? OR
(1) Established76: Mayor as ex officio member of Board of Estimate JOINT APPOINTMENT BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL?
and Taxation; Board in General77. The seven-member Board of Estimate and
72 NEW (2023). Derived from §30-1 of the Code of Ordinances. Note: Chapter 30 of the Code of Ordinances was
adopted by the City of Norwalk Common Council 4-24-1958. Amendments noted where applicable
73 NEW (2023). Derived from §30-4 of the Code of Ordinances.
74 2025 revision of 2-2.B(17) which was which was adopted in the 2023 Charter. The 2023 revision was derived from
§30-3 of the Code of Ordinances.
75 2023 recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-288. Derived from Sp. Laws 1913, No.
352, §88; Charter Amendment 8-29-1978 [Historical Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the general election
held 11-7-1978]; Charter Amendment 8-10-1982. [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the general election held
11-2-1982].
76 2023 recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-288 (First sentence).
77 2023 recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (First sentence). Derived from (Sp.
Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 400, § 6;
Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197, § 6; Charter
031925 Revision - 15
Page 35 of 56
Taxation is comprised of six Electors who shall serve without pay. The Mayor shall
be an ex officio a member of the Board of Estimate and Taxation and shall be entitled
to vote in the proceedings of the Board.
(a) Mayor as Presiding Officer78. The Mayor shall preside at all
meetings of the Board when present.
(b) Quorum79. At all meetings of the Board, four members shall
constitute a quorum, and the concurrence of four votes shall be necessary for
the transaction of business80.
(2) Appointment, Term of Office, Approval, Qualification, and Political
Balance81. The members shall be appointed by the Mayor, for a term of four years82,
subject to approval by the Common Council as set forth in §7-1.C.
(a) Political and Geographic Balance. There shall be not more
than two members from any one Council District and not more than three
appointed members shall belong to the same political party.
(b) Vacancy - Balance of Term83. As set forth in §7-1.D84.
(3) Powers85. The Board of Estimate shall have the powers specified in
this Charter and the incidental powers as may be reasonably necessary to enable it
to investigate and determine those matters of fiscal policy of the City as are within its
direct jurisdiction and responsibility86.
(a) Open Meetings; Public Notice87. The regular meetings of the
Board shall be open to the public and shall be convened by the Mayor, and
notice of the time, place, and purpose of holding the same shall be posted or
published as required by this Charter or as otherwise may be required by Law.
Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the general
election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the general
election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter Amendment 11-8-2005.) Historical Editor’s Note:
For the powers and duties of Mayor, see Art. V, Part 2.
78 2023 recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Second sentence).
79 2023 recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Second sentence).
80 2023 repeal of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Third sentence), as follows: “Lack of
Quorum. Warrant to Compel Attendance. Whenever any meeting of the Board has been regularly called and no
quorum shall be present, the Mayor may execute and issue a warrant, directed to a State Marshall or to the City Sheriff
of the City, to arrest and bring into such meeting a sufficient number of members of the Board to constitute a quorum.”
81 2023 recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-288 (Second sentence).
82 2023 edit and recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-288 (Third and fourth
sentences).
83 2023 revision of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-288 (Third and fourth sentences), which is
set forth in §7-1.D of this Charter.
84 2023 repeal of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-288 entitled “1983 Transition Provision” (Fifth
and sixth sentences).
85 NEW (2023).
86 2023 repeal of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Fourth sentence), which addresses faithful
discharge of duties, conflict of interest, fines and removal from office.
87 2023 recodification and edit of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Fifth sentence).
031925 Revision - 16
Page 36 of 56
(b) Vote and Proceedings of the Board of Estimate and
Taxation: Evidential Weight of Records88. The City Clerk shall be clerk of
the Board of Estimate and Taxation and is responsible for maintaining the
records of the Board in accordance with the §7-1.B(6). All of the records,
including legacy records, shall be in all courts, evidence of the truth of the
matters therein contained, and a certified copy of any record shall be received
in all courts as evidence of the same validity as the original record.
(c) Special Meetings of the Board of Estimate and Taxation89.
The Mayor or a majority of the members of the Board of Estimate and Taxation
have the authority and power to call a special meeting of the Board.
(4) The Budget Process and Authority of the Board of Estimate and
Taxation to Review Budgetary Information and to Levy Taxes.
(a) The Budget Process. The role of the Board of Estimate with
respect to the budget process and deliberations is set forth in Article X.
(b) Furnishing of Information90. The Board of Estimate and
Taxation is authorized to require the Department Heads and responsible
officers for each Budgeted Entity (including the Norwalk Public Schools under
the auspices of the Board of Education) to furnish the required information
necessary, in the opinion of the Board, to enable it to discharge the duties
imposed upon it by this Charter.
(c) The Power to Levy Taxes; Fiscal Year91. The Board of
Estimate and Taxation is authorized to establish the mil rate on the assessed
value of the property within the limits of the City, subject to the maximum limit
on total appropriations as set by the Common Council as hereinafter provided
and in conformity with Law. Every tax approved by the Board shall be laid upon
the assessment list of the City last completed.
88 2023 recodification and edit of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Sixth and seventh
sentences).
89 2023 Recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Twenty-ninth sentence). Derived
from (Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No.
400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197,
§ 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
90 2023 adaptation, modification and recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Eighth
sentence). Derived from (Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8;
Sp. Laws 1921, No. 400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp.
Laws 1967, No. 197, § 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by
the electorate at the general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the
electorate at the general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
91 2023 adaptation, modification and recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Ninth
through eleventh sentences). Derived from (Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws
1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws
1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197, § 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's
Note: Approved by the electorate at the general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's
Note: Approved by the electorate at the general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
031925 Revision - 17
Page 37 of 56
(5) The Annual Report92. All administrative City officers and committees
are required by this Charter to make annual reports to the Mayor, Board or Estimate
and Taxation and the Common Council on or before the first Day of August in each
year.
(6) Election Expenses93. The Board of Estimate and Taxation must
appropriate sufficient sums to cover the expenses of all elections, including the
expenses of each voting precinct and voting place 94.
92 2023 recodification and revision of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Thirty-third
sentences).
93 2023 recodification of current Article III – Part 1. In General, §1-182. Derived from Sp. Laws 1945, No. 134, §4.
94 2023 repeal of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289: (a) First clause of the thirty-fourth
sentence) which addresses the Annual Appropriation for District Library and Sinking Funds for the First, Second, Third
and Fifth Districts; (b) (Second clause of the thirty-fourth sentence which addresses Investment and Reinvestment of
Funds Collected and Appropriated of the First, Second and Third Taxing Districts; and, (c) Third clause of the thirty-
fourth sentence which addresses Investment and Reinvestment of Funds Appropriated and Collected for the Fifth
Taxing District.
031925 Revision - 18
Page 38 of 56
ARTICLE X: BUDGET, PUBLIC FUNDS AND FINANCE
§10-1. The Budget Process1.
A. Cooperation of City Officials and Employees2. The Mayor, Common
Council, Board of Estimate and Taxation, the Board of Education, the Planning and Zoning
Commission, and all other Budgeted Entities (including any Board, Commission, office,
agency, bureau, authority or any other entity receiving or expending City funds or multi-year
state or federal funds or grants, including the Board of Education and the Norwalk Public
Schools) are required to work together and share information, in good faith, throughout the
year in order to develop, approve and implement the budget of the City, which is comprised
of the:
(1) Operating Budget3. The Operating Budget, adopted annually as set Commented [SGM1]: CFO 031425
forth in this Charter, consists of all expected revenues and expenditures and, for the
purposes of short- and long-term financial planning, includes detailed estimates of
revenues and operating expenses, including, but not limited to operating, personnel
and facility maintenance expenses, costs and all expected revenues, as required by
this Charter and any related Ordinances. The Operating Budget is funded primarily
through local property taxes; intergovernmental revenue, licenses, fees, charges for
services, fines, interest and other sources of revenue.
(2) Capital Budget and Capital Improvement Plan4. The Capital Budget, Commented [SGM2]: CFO 031425
adopted annually as set forth in this Charter, consists of expected costs of
improvements to City facilities infrastructure, and long-term assets that are
contemplated to be financed through borrowing and grants and the Capital
Improvement Plan that includes a Ten-Year Program of Capital Expenditures, of
which years 2 – 10 are non-binding.
All Public Officials and employees of the City are required to utilize commonly accepted
practices and to aspire to employing best practices in the field of municipal and public finance.
In order to comply with Law and with the generally accepted accounting principles (or any
successor policies thereto) Public Officials and employees of the City must embrace
principles of accountability, transparency, and outreach in order to expand public
participation, engagement, and trust in the budgetary process of the City.
B. Fiscal Year5. The fiscal year of the City begins on July 1st and ends on June
30th of the succeeding year.
1 NEW (2023)
2 NEW (2023).
3 NEW (2023) 2025 revision of §10-1.A(1) which was adopted in the 2023 Charter.
4 NEW (2023). Derived 2025 revision of §10-1.A(2) which was adopted in the 2023 Charter. The 2023 revision was
derived from §30-1 of the Code of Ordinances. Note: Chapter 30 of the Code of Ordinances was adopted by the City
of Norwalk Common Council 4-24-1958. Amendments noted where applicable.
5 2023 Recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Eleventh sentences). Derived from
(Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 400,
§ 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197, § 6;
Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
031925 Revision - 1
Page 39 of 56
C. The Budget: A Public Record.
(1) Public Inspection6. The budget documents, comprised of the
proposed Operating Budget and Capital Budget, as public records must be filed in
the office of the City Clerk. Following Public Notice the budget documents must be
(a) available for public inspection at the Office of the City Clerk, during regular office
hours; and (b) posted on the City’s website or electronic media or at public facilities
including libraries and schools, as may be determined by the Mayor or the Common
Council. Physical copies of the budget must be available promptly upon request
following the filing with the Clerk, subject to a reasonable charge as permitted by
Law.
(2) Public Engagement7. The Mayor, Common Council, Board of
Estimate and Taxation, Board of Education, and Planning and Zoning Commission
must develop and publicize procedures designed to encourage public participation
in the budget process. The Common Council has the legislative authority to enact
Ordinances to implement these provisions of the Charter.
(3) Budget Calendar8. Not later than the first week in September of each
year, the Chief Financial Officer is required to publish a budget calendar, including
procedural rules, in order to inform the public of the significant milestones in the
budget process
(4) Initial Joint Public Hearings9. On or before October 1st in each year,
joint public hearings for the purpose of eliciting comments and ideas from members of
the public prior to the development of the Operating and Capital Budgets for the
subsequent fiscal year must be conducted by the (a) Mayor; (b) Chief Financial Officer;
(c) President of the Common Council; (d) Chair(s) of the Council committee(s)
authorized to review the budget; (e) Chair pro tempore of the Board of Education; (f)
Superintendent of the Norwalk Public Schools; (g) Chief Financial Officer of the
Norwalk Public Schools; (h) Chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission, and (i) a Commented [SGM3]: CFO 021625
member of the Board of Estimate and Taxation designated by the Mayor.
D. Authority to Require Operating Budget and Capital Budget Information10. Commented [SGM4]: SGM consolidation based
The Mayor has the authority to require each Department Head and responsible officer for upon CFO 021625
each Budgeted Entity, including the Norwalk Public Schools under the auspices of the Board
of Education, to submit to the Mayor or a designee the following:
(1) estimates of revenue and requests for expenditures for the Operating
Budget in the ensuing fiscal year11; and
6 NEW (2023)
7 NEW (2023)
8 NEW (2023).
9 NEW (2023) 2025 revision of §10-1.C(4) which was adopted in the 2023 Charter.
10 Recodification2025 recodification and revision of §10-2.A which was new provision added to the Charter in 2023.
11 Recodification2025 recodification of §10-2.A(1)
031925 Revision - 2
Page 40 of 56
(2) estimates of the cost of Capital Budget Items pending or which should be
undertaken within the next and nine succeeding fiscal years, including a detailed budget
by project for expected Capital Budget Items the next fiscal year, shall be submitted by
each Department annually in the form and manner prescribed by the Chief Financial
Officer under the authority of the Mayor12;
(3) any additional information which the Departments possess (including,
but not limited to, records, books, accounts, contracts, reports and other papers and
documents as specified by the Mayor (or the Mayor’s designee) all of which are
necessary to discharge the duties imposed upon the Mayor by this Charter13; and,
(4) all special revenue, equity assistance and enterprise funds, if any14.
E. Submission of Operating Budget and Capital Budget Estimates15. Each Commented [SGM5]: SGM consolidation based
Department Head and responsible officer for each Budgeted Entity, including the Norwalk upon CFO 021625.
Public Schools under the auspices of the Board of Education, through their Department Head
or other responsible officer, in conjunction with the assigned Division Chief, is required, on or Commented [SGM6]: CFO WANTS TO DELETE
before December 15th of each year, to submit and report the following: Commented [SGM7]: RECLOMMENDED BY
COUNSEL.
(1) Operating Budget Estimate16. To the Mayor or designee, a detailed
estimate of the amount of Operating Budget moneys requested by the respective
Departments or other Budgeted Entities (including the Board of Education and
Norwalk Public Schools) for the ensuing fiscal year, giving details as prescribed by the
Chief Financial Officer17; and,
(2) Capital Budget Items Estimate18. To the Mayor or designee and the
Planning and Zoning Commission a detailed estimate of all Capital Budget Items,
which, in the judgment of each Department Head and responsible officer, in
conjunction with the assigned Division Chief, should be undertaken within the Ten- Commented [SGM8]: RECLOMMENDED BY
Year Program of Capital Improvement PlanExpenditures, including the proposed COUNSEL.
Capital Budget for the ensuing year. Commented [SGM9]: CFO 031525
These estimates shall be known as "Operating Budget and Capital Budget Estimates” and
shall be prepared and submitted on a form the Chief Financial Officer shall prescribe. Upon
12 NEW (2025)
13 Recodification2025 recodification of §10-2.A(2).
14 NEW (2025)
15 2025 recodification of §10-2.B and 10-11.
16 2025 recodification and revision of §10-2.B which is derived from the 2023 adaptation, modification and recodification
of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Twelfth sentence). Derived from (Sp. Laws 1913, No.
352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933,
No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197, § 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-
1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the general election held 11-5-
1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the general election held 11-2-
1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter.
17 2023 repeal current Article V, Part 4 – Department of Finance §1-239.D. Added by Charter Amendment 8-29-1978,
§4; Charter Amendment 11-8-2005, as follows: “Each Department Head shall submit to the Chief Financial Officer or
other officer designated by the Mayor, a true copy of its proposed annual budget or any proposed changes or additions
on or before the fifteenth (15th) day of December in each year.” Historical Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at
the general election held 11-7-1978
18 2025 recodification and revision of §10-11 which was a new provision adopted in 2023. It was derived from §30-5 of
the Code of Ordinances. Amended 11-27-1968; 9-28-2021
031925 Revision - 3
Page 41 of 56
Public Notice, these estimates shall be public records and shall be open for inspection at all
reasonable times.
Annual Operating Budget
§10-2. Operating Budget Estimates.
A. Submission of Operating Budget Estimates19. In accordance with §10- Commented [SGM10]: SGM consolidation in Sec.
1.E(1), above. 10-1.D(1) based upon CFO 021625.
B. Budget Preview: Joint Committees20. On or before January 21st in each Commented [SGM11]: CFO 021625
year, the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Norwalk Public Schools
shall meet with the members of the Board of Estimate and Taxation and the members of the Commented [SGM12]: CFO 031425
Council committee(s) authorized to review the budget and the Finance Joint Committee of the
Board of Education for the purpose of ______________________________.committee(s) of
jurisdiction of the Council and Board of Education in order to review the pre-submission
Operating Budget priorities (“Joint Committees”). The Joint Committees shall eliciting
comments and ideas from members of the public during this meeting.
The Proposed Mayor’s Operating Budget
§10-3. Submission of the Mayor’s Proposed Operating Budget to the Board of Estimate
and Taxation21 and Common Council22.
The Mayor or the Mayor’s designee must submit to the Board of Estimate and Taxation
and the Common Council on or before February 15th of each year, the Mayor’s Proposed Commented [SGM13]: CFO 021625
Operating Budget, comprised of the following:
A. Narrative and Recommendations23. The Mayor’s narrative and
recommendation on the contents of the Proposed Operating Budget and
B. Department and Other Budgeted Entity Estimates, including the Norwalk
Public Schools under the auspices of the Board of Education24. An estimate of the
amounts requested by each Budgeted Entity (including the line-item requests and narrative
of the particulars proposed by the Board of Education) giving the particulars as far as possible
19 Revised2025 revision and mergedmerger in §10-1.D(1).
20 NEW (2025)
21 2023 adaptation, modification and recodification of current Article V, Part 4 – Department of Finance §1-239.D.
Added by Charter Amendment 8-29-1978, §4; Charter Amendment 11-8-2005. Historical Editor's Note: Approved by
the electorate at the general election held 11-7-1978.
22 2023 adaptation, modification and recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289
(Thirteenth and fourteenth sentences). Derived from (Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp.
Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp.
Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197, § 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974
[Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976
[Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996;
Charter
23 2023 adaptation, modification and recodification of current Article V, Part 4 – Department of Finance §1-239.D. See,
derivations in fn #17, above.
24 2023 adaptation, modification and recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289
(Thirteenth and fourteenth sentences). See, derivations in fn #18, above.
031925 Revision - 4
Page 42 of 56
and recommending appropriations for all the expenses of the City (including the proposed
total Board of Education appropriation) and recommending a mil rate applied to the assessed
value of property (the sum of which for the City is referred to as the Grand List) as deemed
necessary to meet the expenses of the City, after deducting the amount of the available
revenue for the fiscal year as well as any other necessary adjustments.
§10-4. Notice and Publication of the Mayor’s Proposed Operating Budget25.
. The Chief Financial Officer or other designee of the Mayor must post the Mayor’s
Proposed Operating Budget, in accordance with the Public Notice provisions of this Charter
or as further required by Ordinance, at least five Days before the fourth Monday of February
of each year.
§10-5. Review by the Common Council.
A. Maximum Limit on Total Appropriations26. The Common Council must, at
a meeting thereof to be held on or before February 28th of each year, adopt by a resolution
approved by an affirmative vote of a majority of the entire membership of the Council, a
maximum limit on total appropriations for the City as an amendment to the Mayor’s Proposed
Operating Budget for the ensuing fiscal year and cause the same to be communicated to the
Board of Estimate and Taxation.
B. Exemption from the Referendum Provisions of this Charter27. The
Common Council resolution is exempted from the application of §4-10.
C. Exemption of Grants from Maximum Taxation28. Any grants from private,
state, or federal sources received after the adoption of any maximum taxation by the Common
Council under this section are exempted from the maximum limitation.
25 2023 adaptation, modification and recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289
(Thirteenth and fourteenth sentences). Derived from (Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp.
Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp.
Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197, § 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974
[Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976
[Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996;
Charter
26 2023 Recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Fifteenth sentence). Derived from
(Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 400,
§ 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197, § 6;
Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
27 2023 Recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Sixteenth sentence). Derived
from (Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No.
400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197,
§ 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
28 2023 Recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Seventeenth sentence). Derived
from (Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No.
400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197,
§ 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
031925 Revision - 5
Page 43 of 56
§10-6. Board of Estimate and Taxation Deliberations on the Mayor’s Proposed
Operating Budget29.
The Board of Estimate and Taxation must hold one or more meetings on or before
March 30th of each year including at least one Public Hearing at which it shall hear from all
parties who desire to be heard, relative to any alterations in the estimates. Thereafter the
Board may make any alterations, increases and decreases in the Mayor’s Proposed
Operating Budget and make the additional appropriations, as it deems proper.
§10-7. Transmittal of Board of Estimate and Taxation’s Approved Operating Budget to
the Common Council.
A. Submission of Statement of Appropriations and Tax Rates to Common
Council30. The Board of Estimate and Taxation, having made alterations, increases, and
decreases, if any, is required to prepare a statement of appropriations and tax rates which it
proposes to make and levy, and cause the same to be forwarded to the Common Council not
later than April 1st of each year.
B. Deliberations of the Common Council31. The Common Council may, at a
regular or special meeting to be held not later than April 15th of each year, amend the
maximum limit of total appropriations for the City for the ensuing fiscal year by an affirmative
vote of two-thirds of the entire membership of the Council.
C. Exemption from the Referendum Provisions of this Charter32. The
Common Council vote is exempted from the application of §4-10.
§10-8. Final Actions by Board of Estimate and Taxation.
29 2023 Recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Eighteenth sentence). Derived
from (Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No.
400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197,
§ 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
30 2023 adaptation and recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Nineteenth
sentence). Derived from (Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8;
Sp. Laws 1921, No. 400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp.
Laws 1967, No. 197, § 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by
the electorate at the general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the
electorate at the general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
31 2023 Recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Twentieth sentence). Derived
from (Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No.
400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197,
§ 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
32 2023 Recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Twenty-first sentence). Derived
from (Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No.
400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197,
§ 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
031925 Revision - 6
Page 44 of 56
A. Alteration to Common Council Limits33. The Board of Estimate and
Taxation must thereupon make alterations in the Proposed Operating Budget, including the
tax rates, as are necessary to comply with the limit set by the Common Council, and shall
prepare a Final Approved Operating Budget, including tax rates, which it proposes to make
and levy in accordance therewith.
B. Notice and Publication34. The Board of Estimate and Taxation is required to
post the Approved Operating Budget as set forth in §10-8.A in accordance with the Public
Notice provisions of this Charter or as further required by Ordinance, no later than April 30th
of each year.
C. Final Alterations of Proposed Operating Budget, including Tax Rates35.
The Board of Estimate and Taxation must hold a meeting no later than May 7th of each year
for the purpose of making further alterations in the estimates, appropriations, and tax rates
as it shall deem proper. The Board is authorized to make appropriations and lay taxes at the
meeting. Finally, the Board may fix the time or times when any tax approved by it shall
become due and payable, and may divide the altered tax levy and make the same payable
in two or more installments, as authorized by the General Statutes36. Commented [SGM14]: CFO 021625
D. No Further Action by Common Council37. No appropriation made at the
meeting held pursuant to §10-8.C shall require the approval of the Common Council;
provided, however, that the total amount of the approved appropriations shall not exceed the
maximum limit established by the Council as hereinabove provided.
E. Actions Subject to Referendum Provisions of the Charter38. The actions
of the Board of Estimate and Taxation at the meeting held pursuant to §10-8.C are subject to
the provisions of §4-10.
§10-9. Appropriations Shall Not Exceed Estimate of Revenues39.
33 2023 Recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Twenty-second sentence).
Derived from (Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws
1921, No. 400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967,
No. 197, § 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by the
electorate at the general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the
electorate at the general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
34 2023 Modification and recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Twenty-second
sentence). See, derivations in fn #31.
35 2025 revision of the 2023 Modificationmodification and recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and
Taxation §1-289 (Twenty-third sentence). Derived from (Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3;
Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp.
Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197, § 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974
[Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976
[Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996;
Charter
36 Comment of the 2025 Charter Revision Commission. At the timeoftime of the adoption of this
provision the authority for installment paymenteepayment, C.G.S. §12-142.
37 2023 Recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Twenty-fourth sentence). See
derivations in fn #33.
38 2023 Recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Twenty-fifth sentence). See
derivations in fn. #33.
39 2023 Recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Twenty-sixth sentence). Derived
031925 Revision - 7
Page 45 of 56
The Board of Estimate and Taxation is not authorized to make appropriations in excess of
the estimate of revenues made by it for any year, and in no case shall the expenses of the
City exceed their respective estimated revenues (including tax revenues) for any year, except
for the purposes for which the City is authorized to issue bonds, and only when bonds are so
issued.
§10-10. Limitations on Expenditures and Revenues; Action by Board of Estimate and
Common Council.
A. Limits on Expenditures; Special Appropriations and Exemption from
Maximum Limit40. No money other than that appropriated as aforesaid by the Board of
Estimate and Taxation in the final budget shall be expended unless a special appropriation
therefor has been provided by the Board of Estimate and Taxation at a special meeting
called for that purpose and has been approved by a Majority Vote of the Council. Any Commented [SGM15]: CFO WANTS TO REPEAL
special appropriation approved in the manner herein set forth is exempted from the maximum
limit established by the Council as hereinabove provided.
B. Special Appropriations41. If a special appropriation in excess of the
unappropriated revenues of the City is required, an estimate of the same must be prepared
by the Chief Financial Officer and submitted to the Board of Estimate and Taxation at a
special meeting called for that purpose. The Board, at the called meeting or an Commented [SGM16]: CFO WANTS TO REPEAL
adjournment thereof, is authorized to make any special appropriation, and to lay a special tax
to meet the same; however, no special appropriation may be made unless available General
Fund resources or a special tax is sufficient to cover the amount when the special Commented [SGM17]: CFO 031425.
appropriation is in excess of the unappropriated revenues of the City and unless the special
WHAT IS A “GENERAL FUND RESOURCE”?
tax has been approved by a Majority Vote of the Council.
C. Specific Purpose Appropriations42. Any appropriation, regular or special, for
any specific purpose, shall not be expended for any other purpose and, if unexpended, shall
be transferred into the treasury sixty days after the expiration of the fiscal year for which it is
made. All appropriations so made shall remain on the books of the City to the credit of the
specific purposes for which they are made for sixty days after the expiration of the fiscal year
from (Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No.
400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197,
§ 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
40 2023 Recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Twenty-seventh and twenty-
eighth sentences).
41 2023 Recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Thirtieth sentence). Derived from
(Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 400,
§ 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197, § 6;
Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
42 2023 Recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Thirty-first and thirty-second
sentences). Derived from (Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8;
Sp. Laws 1921, No. 400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp.
Laws 1967, No. 197, § 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by
the electorate at the general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the
electorate at the general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
031925 Revision - 8
Page 46 of 56
for which they are made, for the purpose of paying bills lawfully contracted during the fiscal
year which are properly chargeable to the specific purpose appropriations.
The Capital Budget
§10-11. Submission of Estimate of Capital Budget Items43. Commented [SGM18]: SGM consolidation in Sec.
10-1.D(2) based upon CFO 021625.
In The estimates of Capital Budget Items shall be submitted in accordance with §10-
1.E(1), above.
§10-12. Chief Financial Officer’s Report44. Commented [SGM19]: CFO 021625
Following the receipt of estimates for Capital Budget Items and not later than Commented [SGM20]: DEFINED TERM. CFO
February 1st of each year, the Chief Financial Officer must submit a report on the Ten -Year WANTS TO REPLACE WITH “CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PLAN ITEMS”.
Program of Capital Improvement PlanExpenditures to the Board of Estimate and Taxation,
the Common Council, and the Planning and Zoning Commission the amount of the Commented [SGM21]: CFO 031425
expenditures requested and the Chief Financial Officer’s:
A. Estimates of the effect of the proposed expenditures upon the current budget
and the bonded indebtedness for the succeeding years; and
B. Recommendations relative thereto.
The Chief Financial Officer is required to send said Report to the Department Heads or
responsible officers for each of the Budgeted Entities whichthat have submitted requests for
inclusion in the Capital Improvement Plan. Commented [SGM22]: CFO 031425
§10-13. Review by the Planning and Zoning Commission45.
A. Public Hearings. On or before February 15th in each year, the Planning and Commented [SGM23]: CFO 021625
Zoning Commission is required to hold a Public Hearing on the proposed Ten-Year Capital Commented [SGM24]: CFO WANT DISCRETION
Improvement Plan, at which time the Mayor, Department Heads and responsible officers of (“MAY”).
other Budgeted Entities, including the Board of Education; the Chief Financial Officer;
members of the Board of Estimate and Taxation; members of the Common Council and
members of the public may be heard for the sole purpose of discussing the alignment of the
estimates for Capital Budget Items with the City’s Plan of Conservation and Development for Commented [SGM25]: CFO WANTS: “”CAPITAL
each of these years. The hearing may be continued. if deemed necessary ensure the record PROJECTS”. WE WOULD HAVE TO CHANGE THE
DEFINED TERM.
is complete.
B. Role of the Planning and Zoning Commission. The sole function of the Commented [SGM26]: CFO 031425
Planning and Zoning Commission is to ensure that each Capital Budget Item in the proposed Commented [SGM27]: SAME ISSUE: DEFINED
Ten-Year Capital Improvement Plan not previously approved is consistent with the City’s Plan TERM.
of Conservation and Development.
43 Revised2025 revision and merged inmerger into §10-1.D(2).
44 2025 editrevision of §10-12, which was adopted in 2023 and derived from §30-6 of the Code of Ordinances. Amended
11-27-1968; 9-28-2021
45 NEW (Revision of §10-13 which was adopted in 2023). Derived and derived from §30-7 of the Code of Ordinances.
Amended 3-10-1959; 9-28-2021.
031925 Revision - 9
Page 47 of 56
C. Production of Information. The Planning and Zoning Commission may
require the production of all pertinent data with respect to the proposed estimates, including
but not limited to, preliminary plans, sketches, layouts and surveys insofar as the information
is necessary to assess the alignment of the proposed estimates with the City’s Plan of
Conservation and Development.
D. Report of the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Planning and Zoning
Commission must thereupon prepare a report setting forth its determination as to whether
each proposed Capital Budget Item for the ensuing fiscal year is or is not consistent with Commented [SGM28]: SAME ISSUE: DEFINED
the City’s Plan of Conservation and Development (“POCD Report”). The Planning and Zoning TERM.
Commission shall deliver the POCD Report to the Mayor as provided in §10-14 and also to
the Common Council, Board of Estimate and Taxation and Chief Financial Officer.
E. Transmittal of the Report46. The proposed Capital Budget, including the Ten Commented [SGM29]: CFO 021625
Year Capital Improvement Plan and the POCD Report, must thereupon, on or before March Commented [SGM30]: CFO 031425.
5th of each year, be transmitted to the Mayor for review and recommendations. However, the
Mayor may not include therein any new Capital Budget Items without first submitting them CFO (031425): “SHOULD REFERENCE TO THE
MAYOR’S REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS BE
to the Planning and Zoning Commission for its determination in accordance with this
MOVED TO 10-14 - THE END OF THE FIRST
section. SENTENCE AND THE FULL SECOND SENTENCE?”
§10-14. Review by the Mayor; Transmittal to Board of Estimate and Taxation.
and Common Council.
A. Mayoral Review47. In the event the Planning and Zoning Commission
determines that any proposed new Capital Budget Item is not consistent with the City’s
Plan of Conservation and Development, this fact shall be recorded by the Mayor when
submitting the Mayor’s proposed Capital Budget to the Board of Estimate and Taxation and
the Common Council.
B. Transmittal by the Mayor to the Board of Estimate and Taxation and
Common Council48. The Mayor’s proposed Capital Budget must be transmitted to the Commented [SGM31]: CFO 021625
Board of Estimate and Taxation and the Common Council on or before March 15th of each Commented [SGM32]: COUNSEL RECOMMENDS
year. The Board is, then required to establish a maximum llimit on the total Capital Budget, THAT THE COUNCIL RECEIVE THE MAYOR’S
as set forth in §10-15.A, below. TRANSMITTAL SIMULTENOUSLY WITH THE BET,
SINCE ALL THE BET IS GOING TO DO IS
COMMENT AND RECOMMEND.
§10-15. ActionTransmittal of Recommendations by the Board of Estimate and
Taxation; Transmittal.
A. Maximum Limit on Total Capital BudgetAdoption of Resolution. The
Board of Estimate and Taxation is required to adopt by a resolution approveda Resolution,
adopted by an affirmative vote of a majority of the entire membership of the Board, a
maximum limit on total Capital Budget as an amendment. The Resolution is required to set
46 2025 recodification and edit of §10-14 (first sentence) which was adopted in 2023 and derived from §30-8 of the
Code of Ordinances. Amended 11-27-1968; 9-28-2021.
47 2025 recodification of the second sentence of §10-14 and revision by transferring the first sentence to 10-13.E,
above. This provision was adopted in 2023 and derived from §30-8 of the Code of Ordinances. Amended 11-27-1968;
9-28-2021.
48 2025 recodification of §10-15.A which was adopted in 2023 and derived from §30-9 of the Code of Ordinances.
Amended 11-27-1968; 9-28-2021.
031925 Revision - 10
Page 48 of 56
forth its written recommendations pertaining to the Mayor’s Proposed Capital Budget for the
ensuing fiscal year and cause the same to be transmitted to the Common Council, as set
forth below49.. . Commented [SGM33]: CFO 021625
CFO (031425): “I KNOW I RECOMMENDED THIS,
(1) Content of Recommendations. The recommendations of the Board BUT WE SHOULD REMOVE IT.”
of Estimate and Taxation are a written expression of its judgment with respect to the
Commented [SGM34]: CFO 021625
amount of funds the Mayor has proposed to expend in the Capital Budget and the
effect the expenditures will, in its opinion, have upon the operating expenses and
credit of the City50. Commented [SGM35]: COUNSEL REVISIONS
(031925)
(1)(2) Further Recommendations.. Said transmittal shall WHAT IS IT WE ARE TRYING TO ACHIEVE? MY
incorporatingincorporate therein the recommendations as the Mayor, the Planning and IMPRESSION IS THAT WE WANT A SITUAIOTN
Zoning Commission and the Chief Financial Officer may make51. WHERE THE MAYOR SENDS THE BUDGET, BET
SIMPLY PROVIDES RECOMMENDATIONS. THE
ALTERNATIVE IS FOR THE BET TO “SET THE
A.B. Transmittal by the Board of Estimate and Taxation to the Common CAP” AS IS THE CASE FOR THE COUNCIL ON THE
Council52. Following actionapproval of its written recommendations on the Mayor’s OPERATING SIDE OF THE BUDGET.
proposed Capital Budget, by amendment as set forth in §10-15.A, above, the Board of Commented [SGM36]: IS THIS NECESSARY?
Estimate and Taxation is required to forward the same to the Common Council on or before (031925)
April 1st of each year, with an expression in writing of its judgment with respect to the amount Commented [SGM37]: CFO 021625
of funds it is proposed to expend in the Capital Budget and the effect the expenditures will, in
its opinion, have upon the operating expenses and credit of the City. each year53. The Commented [SGM38]: CFO 021625
Council is not required to take into account any recommendations of the Board of Estimate
and Taxation if not in writing or transmitted on or before April 1st of each year54.
B.C. Transfers to Operating Budget55. The Board of Estimate and Taxation may
transfer from the Mayor’s proposed Capital Budget to the Operating Budget all or part of any
capital items it believes may feasibly be included in the Operating Budget for the ensuing year.
C.D. Exemption from the Referendum Provisions of this Charter56. The
Common Council resolution is exempted from the application of §4-10.
§10-16. Adoption of Capital Budget.
A. Actions of the Common Council; Modification of the Maximum Limit..
Upon receipt of the recommendations of the Board of Estimate and Taxation, the Common
Council may approve, reject, reduce or reinstate any item in the Mayor’s proposed Capital
Budget by a Majority Vote of the Council within the maximum limits of the total Capital
49 NEW (2025).
50 2025 recodification and minor revision of the last clause of §10-15.B which was adopted in 2023 and derived from
§30-9 of the Code of Ordinances. Amended 11-27-1968; 9-28-2021.
51 2025 recodification of the last clause of the second sentence of §10-15.A.
52 2025 revision of §10-15.B which was adopted in 2023 and derived from §30-9 of the Code of Ordinances. Amended
11-27-1968; 9-28-2021.
53 2025 revision of §10-15.B which was adopted in 2023 and derived from §30-9 of the Code of Ordinances. Amended
11-27-1968; 9-28-2021. The last clause was recodified as §10-15.A(1).
54 NEW (2025).
55 NEW (2023). Derived from §30-9 of the Code of Ordinances. Amended 11-27-1968; 9-28-2021.
56 NEW (2025).
031925 Revision - 11
Page 49 of 56
Budget57. established by the Mayor58. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Common Council Commented [SGM39]: CFO 021625
may, not later than April 15th of each year, amend the maximum limit of total Capital Budget
CFO (031425): “I KNOW I RECOMMENDED THIS,
for the ensuing fiscal year by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the entire membership of the BUT WE SHOULD REMOVE IT.”
Council59.
Commented [SGM40]: CFO 021625
(1) Reinstatement. Reinstatement means all multi-year Capital Items or Commented [SGM41]: SGM NOTE TO CREATE AN
projects approved in the current Ten-Year Capital Improvement Plan that are not AUTHORITY SIMILIAR TO THE POWER IN THE
GENERAL FUND PROCESS.
included in the Mayor’s proposed Capital Budget.
(1)(2) Deadline for Approval60. The Common Council must thereupon approve the
proposed Capital Budget, as amended, on or before April 15th of each year, when it shall be
certified to the Chief Financial Officer. Any item not rejected or reduced by the Common
Council is deemed approved by the Council.
(2)(3) Items Deemed Inconsistent with the Plan of Conservation and
Development61. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article, if any proposed
Capital Budget Item has been determined by the Planning and Zoning Commission not to be
consistent with the City’s Plan of Conservation and Development, the designated item or
items shall not be included in any Capital Budget or otherwise funded unless and until it has
been approved by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Council, present and voting.
(3)(4) Public Hearings62. The Common Council through its committee(s) of Commented [SGM42]: SGM NOTE,
jurisdiction is required to hold one or more meeitngsmeetings and at least one Public Hearing
at which it shall hear from all parties who desire to be heard, relative to any alterations in the
Mayor’s Proposed Capital Improvement Plan. Thereafter the Council may take syuchsuch Commented [SGM43]: CFO 031425
actions as set forth in §10-15.A, above.
§10-17. Allotments and Recommendations for Termination or Abandonment of Capital
Budget Items63.
A. Allotments64. Funds set aside for a Capital Budget Item shall be deemed to
have been allotted for that purpose only.
B. Termination or Abandonment: Actions of Planning and Zoning
Commission and Common Council65. Any Capital Budget Item shall lapse if not
implemented with four years of authorization by the Common Council. On or before
November 1st of each year, the Chief Financial Officer shall submit to the Common Council a
report that identifies the status of projects that are scheduled to lapse within the following 12
57 Revision of §10-16.A which was adopted in 2023 and derived from §30-10 of the Code of Ordinances. Amended
11-27-1968; 9-28-2021.
58 2025 revision of §10-16.A which was adopted in 2023 and derived from §30-10 of the Code of Ordinances. Amended
11-27-1968; 9-28-2021.
59 NEW (2025)
60 NEW (2023). Derived from §30-10 of the Code of Ordinances. Amended 11-27-1968; 9-28-2021.
61 NEW (2023). Derived from §30-10 of the Code of Ordinances. Amended 11-27-1968; 9-28-2021.
62 NEW (2025).
63 NEW (2023). Derived from §30-10.1 of the Code of Ordinances. Added 1-24-1961; amended 5-13-2003; 9-28-2021.
64 NEW (2023). Derived from §30-10.1.B (First sentence) of the Code of Ordinances
65 2025 revision of §10-17.B which was adopted in 2023 and derived from §30-10.1.B (Fourth and fifth sentences) of
the Code of Ordinances
031925 Revision - 12
Page 50 of 56
months. The Common Council may continue an authorization for a project or projects by a
majority vote of the Council. Thereafter, the Planning and Zoning Commission is required, Commented [SGM44]: CFO 031425
within thirty days after the receipt of the Mayor’s notice, to forward its recommendations to
the Common Council. The Council must hold a Public Hearing thereon. In the event of
approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Mayor's request, a Majority Vote of
the Council is required for concurrence; in the event of disapproval, the Commission shall
communicate its reasons to the Council, which shall have the power to overrule the
disapproval of the Commission by a recorded Majority Vote of the Council.
C. Unencumbered Funds66. Any and all unencumbered funds that constitute a
surplus of funds allocated for Capital Budget Items that have been completed, terminated, or
abandoned shall revert to a capital budget surplus account which shall be used to reduce the
net capital budget for the succeeding year, except when the surplus funds are used to finance
additional obligations as provided for in §10-20 of this Charter.
§10-18. Restrictions67.
No obligations of the City are authorized nor expenditures made or permitted in any
fiscal year for or on account of the Capital Budget unless the obligations or expenditures were
included in the Capital Budget as finally approved for that fiscal year or a prior year, except
provided in this Charter or by Ordinance.
§10-19. Financing Additional Obligations68.
A. Unforeseeable or Emergency Conditions. Requests for additional
obligations to the capital budget shall not be approved unless the request is made necessary
by unforeseeable or emergency conditions.
B. Contents of Request. Any request under this provision shall be accompanied
by a statement from the Chief Financial Officer setting forth, the following: (1) the necessity
for using Capital Budget funds rather than financing through the Operating Budget; and, (2)
recommendations as to the most feasible and economical measures to finance the additional
obligations.
C. Sources of Funding. Sources of the proposed financing recommendations Commented [SGM45]: CFO 021625.
may be either from overall surplus from any previous bond issue for capital budgets or from
JARED: LET’S TALK ABOUT THE GO BOND
the issuance of notes, each of which shall be designated "bond anticipation notes" and which LANGUAGE.
may be renewed from time to time through utilization of funds from Capital Budget Items that
have been terminated, abandoned, or lapsed. However, all the notes of any fiscal year and
any renewals thereof shall be paid from the proceeds of the next regular capital
improvements bond issue.
D. Action of the Common Council69.. Additional obligations may be authorized
and expenditures made provided that the additional obligations or expenditures are
66 NEW (2023). Derived from §30-10.1.C of the Code of Ordinances
67 NEW (2023). Derived from §30-11 of the Code of Ordinances. Amended 9-28-2021.
68 NEW (2023). Derived from §30-11.1 of the Code of Ordinances. Added 1-24-1961; amended 9-28-2021.
69 NEW (2023). Derived from §30-11 of the Code of Ordinances. Amended 9-28-2021.
031925 Revision - 13
Page 51 of 56
specifically recommended, in writing, by the Mayor to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Within ten days after receipt thereof, the Commission is required to forward the same to the
Common Council with its recommendations relative thereto. Except as otherwise provided in
§10-16, the Common Council may thereupon, by a Majority Vote of the Council, approve,
reduce or reject all or any part thereof.
§10-20. Financing Recommendations70.
On or before June 1st of each year, the Chief Financial Officer is required to transmit
to the Common Council and the Board of Estimate and Taxation recommendations in respect
to the most feasible and economic measures to finance the capital budget for the ensuing
fiscal year. These bodies, at an appropriate time, must adopt the Resolutions necessary to
give force and effect to the financing of the capital budget in accordance with the provisions
of the Charter relating thereto.
§10-21. Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Estimate and Taxation, and
Common Council Required to Conduct Public Hearings71. Commented [SGM46]: CFO 031425: WANTS TO
ELIMINATE “PLANNING AND ZONING
COMMISSION”
In accordance with the Public Notice and Public Hearing provisions of this Charter,
the Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Estimate and Taxation, and the Common
Council are each required to hold at least one and, each in its discretion, as many Public
Hearings on the Capital Budget, including the Ten-Year Program Capital Improvement Plan Commented [SGM47]: CFO 031425
as either or both of them may deem necessary to ascertain the opinion of the public on the
matters under consideration. The Public Hearings shall permit public participation within the
parameters of the rules of the Commission, Board or Council in order to facilitate the
submission of views and information relative to a matter on which a decision of each of the
entities is pending.
Capital Budget Administration
§10-22. Implementation and Oversight of the Capital Budget Projects72.
The Common Council must enact an Ordinance pertaining to the implementation and
oversight of the Capital Budget projects.
Borrowing
§10-23. Issuance Authorized: Procedures73.
70 NEW (2023). Derived from §30-12 of the Code of Ordinances. Amended 11-27-1968; 9-28-2021.
71 NEW (2023). Derived from §30-13 of the Code of Ordinances. Amended 9-28-2021.
72 NEW (2023).
73 2023 modification and recodification of (1) current Article IV. The Common Council. §1-200. Derived from Sp. Laws
1929, No. 101, §1. Historical editor's Note: See also § 1-189; § 1-226; (2) current Article IV. The Common Council.
§1-201. Derived from Sp. Laws 1929, No. 101, §2. Historical editor's Note: See also Art. VI; and, (3) Current Article IV.
The Common Council. §1-202. Derived from Sp. Laws 1929, No. 101, §2. Historical Editor's Note: A Charter
Amendment, adopted 9-2-1980 and approved by the electorate at the general election held 11-4-1980, repealed former
Article XX, Miscellaneous Bond Issues, which was comprised of the following sections: §§ 1-616 (Sp. Laws 1919, No.
123); 1-617 through 1-619 (Sp. Laws 1921, No. 297, §§ 1 to 3); 1-620 through 1-624 (Sp. Laws 1921, No. 222, §§ 1 to
5); 1-625 through 1-631 (Sp. Laws 1937, No. 73, §§ 1 to 7); 1-632 through 1-637 (Sp. Laws 1945, No. 202, §§ 1 to 6);
031925 Revision - 14
Page 52 of 56
The City has the authority and power to incur indebtedness by issuing its bonds or notes for
such purposes, upon such terms and to such extent as is authorized by the General
Statutes. Each such bond or note shall be signed in the name of the City by the manual or
facsimile signature of the Mayor, Chief Financial Officer, and Comptroller and have the seal
of the City or a facsimile thereof affixed. No bonds or notes shall be approved by the Mayor
and Common Council until the amount and purpose thereof shall be approved by the Board
of Estimate and Taxation at a meeting duly called and held therefor. The Board of Estimate
and Taxation, at a meeting held in the fiscal year in which such bonds or notes are issued,
shall make a sufficient appropriation to pay all bonds or notes so issued during such fiscal
year and such bonds or notes shall be paid from such appropriation when it shall become
available.
Referenda
§10-24. Referendum Procedure.
See §4-10 of this Charter.
§2-2.B(7). Capital Budget74 means the first Fiscal Year of the Ten-Year Program of Commented [SGM48]: CFO 021625
Capital Expenditures for which it is proposed for the purpose of authorizing expenditures
during such fiscal year.
§2-2.B(8). Capital Budget Items75 means all individual expenditures in excess of
Twenty-five Thousand ($25,000) Dollars (or an increased amount set forth by Ordinance) to
be utilized in more than one fiscal year, other than for ordinary operating expenses, which
shall be requested or expended for improvements to City facilities, infrastructure and long-
term assets. These Capital Budget Items shall include, but not be limited to, acquisition of
property, the construction or remodeling of schools, public buildings and structures of
whatever nature, highways, parks, sanitary sewers, sewage and garbage-disposal plants,
drainage systems, rehabilitation of blighted areas and for machinery and other facilities
having a usable expectancy of at least two years, for which the credit of the City shall,
usually but not always, be pledged by the issuance of bonds, notes or other certificates of
indebtedness.
§2-2.B(17). FiveTen-Year Program of Capital Expenditures76 means the projected Commented [SGM49]: CFO 021625
five-year programa comprehensive long-tern financial plan that identifies and prioritizes
OTHER REVISIONS RECOMMENDED BY COUNSEL
expected needs based on a strategic plan, establishes project scope and cost, details
estimate amounts of capital expenditures to which consideration must be given byfunding
1-638 through 1-644 (Sp. Laws 1947, No. 326, §§ 1 to 7); 1-645 through 1-648 (Sp. Laws 1951, No. 523, §§ 1 to 4); 1-
649 through 1-653 (Sp. Laws 1953, No. 209, §§ 1 to 5); 1-654 through 1-658 (Sp. Laws 1953, No. 300, §§ 1 to 5).
These sections shall be maintained for record purposes in a separate book entitled "Bond Issues of the City of Norwalk,
the First, the Second, the Third and the Sixth Taxing Districts." Copies of such compilation shall be kept in the offices
of the City Clerk and Town Clerk and in the Finance Department. § 1-616. through § 1-658. (Reserved)
74 NEW (2023). Derived from §30-1 of the Code of Ordinances. Note: Chapter 30 of the Code of Ordinances was
adopted by the City of Norwalk Common Council 4-24-1958. Amendments noted where applicable
75 NEW (2023). Derived from §30-4 of the Code of Ordinances.
76 NEW (2025 revision of 2-2.B(17) which was which was adopted in the 2023) Derived Charter. The 2023 revision
was derived from §30-3 of the Code of Ordinances.
031925 Revision - 15
Page 53 of 56
from various sources and projects future operating and maintenance costs. Department
Heads of each of the Budgeted Entities, in whom that responsibility is vested, and conjunction
with the assigned Division Chief, are responsible for preparing the plan in the manner
prescribed by this Charter. The first year of the fiveten-year projections is referred to as the
“Capital Budget."
§7-2. Boards and Commission Established by the Charter.
A. Board of Estimate and Taxation77. Commented [SGM50]: STRUCTURE OF BOARDOF
ESTNIATE: (A) ELECTED? (B) APPOINTED BY MAYOR? OR
(1) Established78: Mayor as ex officio member of Board of Estimate JOINT APPOINTMENT BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL?
and Taxation; Board in General79. The seven-member Board of Estimate and
Taxation is comprised of six Electors who shall serve without pay. The Mayor shall
be an ex officio a member of the Board of Estimate and Taxation and shall be entitled
to vote in the proceedings of the Board.
(a) Mayor as Presiding Officer80. The Mayor shall preside at all
meetings of the Board when present.
(b) Quorum81. At all meetings of the Board, four members shall
constitute a quorum, and the concurrence of four votes shall be necessary for
the transaction of business82.
(2) Appointment, Term of Office, Approval, Qualification, and Political
Balance83. The members shall be appointed by the Mayor, for a term of four years84,
subject to approval by the Common Council as set forth in §7-1.C.
(a) Political and Geographic Balance. There shall be not more
than two members from any one Council District and not more than three
appointed members shall belong to the same political party.
77 2023 recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-288. Derived from Sp. Laws 1913, No.
352, §88; Charter Amendment 8-29-1978 [Historical Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the general election
held 11-7-1978]; Charter Amendment 8-10-1982. [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the general election held
11-2-1982].
78 2023 recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-288 (First sentence).
79 2023 recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (First sentence). Derived from (Sp.
Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 400, § 6;
Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197, § 6; Charter
Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the general
election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the general
election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter Amendment 11-8-2005.) Historical Editor’s Note:
For the powers and duties of Mayor, see Art. V, Part 2.
80 2023 recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Second sentence).
81 2023 recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Second sentence).
82 2023 repeal of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Third sentence), as follows: “Lack of
Quorum. Warrant to Compel Attendance. Whenever any meeting of the Board has been regularly called and no
quorum shall be present, the Mayor may execute and issue a warrant, directed to a State Marshall or to the City Sheriff
of the City, to arrest and bring into such meeting a sufficient number of members of the Board to constitute a quorum.”
83 2023 recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-288 (Second sentence).
84 2023 edit and recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-288 (Third and fourth
sentences).
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(b) Vacancy - Balance of Term85. As set forth in §7-1.D86.
(3) Powers87. The Board of Estimate shall have the powers specified in
this Charter and the incidental powers as may be reasonably necessary to enable it
to investigate and determine those matters of fiscal policy of the City as are within its
direct jurisdiction and responsibility88.
(a) Open Meetings; Public Notice89. The regular meetings of the
Board shall be open to the public and shall be convened by the Mayor, and
notice of the time, place, and purpose of holding the same shall be posted or
published as required by this Charter or as otherwise may be required by Law.
(b) Vote and Proceedings of the Board of Estimate and
Taxation: Evidential Weight of Records90. The City Clerk shall be clerk of
the Board of Estimate and Taxation and is responsible for maintaining the
records of the Board in accordance with the §7-1.B(6). All of the records,
including legacy records, shall be in all courts, evidence of the truth of the
matters therein contained, and a certified copy of any record shall be received
in all courts as evidence of the same validity as the original record.
(c) Special Meetings of the Board of Estimate and Taxation91.
The Mayor or a majority of the members of the Board of Estimate and Taxation
have the authority and power to call a special meeting of the Board.
(4) The Budget Process and Authority of the Board of Estimate and
Taxation to Review Budgetary Information and to Levy Taxes.
(a) The Budget Process. The role of the Board of Estimate with
respect to the budget process and deliberations is set forth in Article X.
(b) Furnishing of Information92. The Board of Estimate and
Taxation is authorized to require the Department Heads and responsible
85 2023 revision of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-288 (Third and fourth sentences), which is
set forth in §7-1.D of this Charter.
86 2023 repeal of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-288 entitled “1983 Transition Provision” (Fifth
and sixth sentences).
87 NEW (2023).
88 2023 repeal of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Fourth sentence), which addresses faithful
discharge of duties, conflict of interest, fines and removal from office.
89 2023 recodification and edit of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Fifth sentence).
90 2023 recodification and edit of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Sixth and seventh
sentences).
91 2023 Recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Twenty-ninth sentence). Derived
from (Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No.
400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197,
§ 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the electorate at the
general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
92 2023 adaptation, modification and recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Eighth
sentence). Derived from (Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 189, § 8;
Sp. Laws 1921, No. 400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws 1953, No. 267; Sp.
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officers for each Budgeted Entity (including the Norwalk Public Schools under
the auspices of the Board of Education) to furnish the required information
necessary, in the opinion of the Board, to enable it to discharge the duties
imposed upon it by this Charter.
(c) The Power to Levy Taxes; Fiscal Year93. The Board of
Estimate and Taxation is authorized to establish the mil rate on the assessed
value of the property within the limits of the City, subject to the maximum limit
on total appropriations as set by the Common Council as hereinafter provided
and in conformity with Law. Every tax approved by the Board shall be laid upon
the assessment list of the City last completed.
(5) The Annual Report94. All administrative City officers and committees
are required by this Charter to make annual reports to the Mayor, Board or Estimate
and Taxation and the Common Council on or before the first Day of August in each
year.
(6) Election Expenses95. The Board of Estimate and Taxation must
appropriate sufficient sums to cover the expenses of all elections, including the
expenses of each voting precinct and voting place 96.
Laws 1967, No. 197, § 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's Note: Approved by
the electorate at the general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's Note: Approved by the
electorate at the general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
93 2023 adaptation, modification and recodification of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Ninth
through eleventh sentences). Derived from (Sp. Laws 1913, No. 352, § 89; Sp. Laws 1915, No. 367, § 3; Sp. Laws
1921, No. 189, § 8; Sp. Laws 1921, No. 400, § 6; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 328; Sp. Laws 1933, No. 335, § 3; Sp. Laws
1953, No. 267; Sp. Laws 1967, No. 197, § 6; Charter Amendment 11-7-1972; Charter Amendment 8-13-1974 [Editor's
Note: Approved by the electorate at the general election held 11-5-1974.] Charter Amendment 8-17-1976 [Editor's
Note: Approved by the electorate at the general election held 11-2-1976.]; Charter Amendment 11-5-1996; Charter
94 2023 recodification and revision of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289 (Thirty-third
sentences).
95 2023 recodification of current Article III – Part 1. In General, §1-182. Derived from Sp. Laws 1945, No. 134, §4.
96 2023 repeal of current Article VI – Board of Estimate and Taxation §1-289: (a) First clause of the thirty-fourth
sentence) which addresses the Annual Appropriation for District Library and Sinking Funds for the First, Second, Third
and Fifth Districts; (b) (Second clause of the thirty-fourth sentence which addresses Investment and Reinvestment of
Funds Collected and Appropriated of the First, Second and Third Taxing Districts; and, (c) Third clause of the thirty-
fourth sentence which addresses Investment and Reinvestment of Funds Appropriated and Collected for the Fifth
Taxing District.
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