Danbury Approves $220,100,000 Budget

Danbury's City Council approved its $220 million budget Tuesday ending the council's month-long review process, and the city's budget process that started in November 2011.

The budget of $220,100,000 for 2012-2013 is $4.1 million more than this year's budget, and the city's tax rate rose for property owners from $21.69 per $1,000 of assessed value to $22.45 per $1,000 of assessed value.

That means a $300,000 house in Danbury will pay an additional $140 in property taxes next year, said David St. Hilaire, .

The main point of debate Tuesday night appeared when City Council member Tom Saadi asked the council to reverse the raise given to non-union city workers.

"We each have an obligation to do what we think is right," Saadi said. "We're all doing our best although we have different ideas. I can't support those raises at this time."

Without any members of the city council hearing, one of city hall's non-union employees said, "You want my $12 back? You can have it."

The raises totalled $80,000, and these workers haven't had a raise in four years.

"A lot of these workers go above and beyond," said City Council President Joe Cavo. "I wouldn't want to lose you. I'm happy you got a mid-year raise."

Saadi made the motion and it was defeated by the council.