campaigns : Campaign Archive

May 2008

Hello ,

This is the first edition of the "Boughton Bulletin". This is an e-newsletter that I will be e-mailing once a month to update and inform you about the critical issues and events that are happening here in the great City of Danbury. Before you read the rest of the bulletin here are a couple of thoughts:

Absolutely no taxpayer dollars are being used to prepare the Boughton Bulletin.
If you do not want to receive this e-newsletter all you have to do is hit the "opt out" button on the bottom of the page.
Feel free to forward the Boughton Bulletin to your friends and neighbors. They can add themselves to the mailing list on the bottom of the page.

Feel free to contact me if you have suggestions or ideas on the way we can improve the Boughton Bulletin.

All The Best,

Mayor Mark

Budget Passes, what does it mean?

On Tuesday May 6th 2008, by a vote of 12-7 the Common Council adopted my proposed budget. This was the most difficult budget I have has to prepare. The economy has hurt us and the cost of energy, insurance, and the lack of state aid have also provided real challenges to us. On average Danbury residents will see a tax increase of about 6%-7%. Commercial property will be higher since most of the commercial properties have not received an increase in 20 years or so. Remember, do not take the new mill rate of 21.35 and multiply it by your new assessment! We are phasing in the new assessments over the next four years.

Capital Improvement Plan:

On June 3rd we will be voting on the Capital Improvement Plan. This is a new way of funding for our infrastructure and is critical to keeping Danbury economically competitive.Make sure you check out my next newsletter for more details.

Cost Saving Strategies:

Last month I announced a number of cost saving strategies for the next several months as we grapple with the slowing economy.

Effective April 15th 2008, we have implemented a hiring freeze for full time positions within the City.
Effective April 15th 2008, we have implemented a spending freeze that will remain in effect for the balance of the fiscal year.
We will be conducting a thorough review of all business practices in all departments.
We will be conducting a review of our vehicle use policy and our cell phone policy.
I have announced a 10% reduction in staff city wide through attrition.

Did You Know?

Did you know that I have my own blog? Just go to mayormark.com and you can click on my blog for up to date information and in some cases up to the minute information.
Did you know that the City of Danbury has a complaint line called 311? Just call it and the customer service rep will be happy to help you with your problem.
Did you know that you can pay your taxes online? Just visit the City of Danbury website at www.ci.danbury.ct.us.

Upcoming Events:

Connecticut Film Festival opening night is May 20th with the film "Flyboys" at the Palace Theater, you can check out all of the details at www.ctfilmfest.com.

Memorial Day Parade kicks off on May 26th at 9:30 AM on Main Street. Come down and support our veterans. Memorial Service in the Rose Garden at 12:00 Noon.

Portuguese Day on June 1st starts at 8:15 AM with a Flag Raising in Rogers Park. Parade begins at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church at 10:15 AM. Join us after the parade at the Portuguese Cultural Center for a an awesome festival.

Common Council meets at 7:30 PM on Tuesday June 3rd in the Council Chambers.

Flag Day Ceremony at the Danbury Elks Lodge on June 15th at 1:00 PM.

Danbury High School Graduation on June 20th at 5:00 PM.