Danbury Budget Approved: Big Changes For Police, Fire And Schools

DANBURY, CT — On Tuesday night, the City Council approved Mayor Roberto L. Alves' 2025-2026 budget proposal with bipartisan support for the second year in a row, according to a news release from the mayor's office.

The Council passed the budget by a vote of 18-3. The Mayor’s budget, which takes effect July 1, 2025, focuses on four main drivers: Public Safety, Roads and Infrastructure, Operations, and Education.

Among Alves’ goals, hiring more police officers and opening Danbury High School West were priorities, according to a prepared statement.

Alves’ plan includes a $47.4 million Public Safety budget, which equips first responders with the technology and resources they need to respond to emergencies quickly and effectively, according to a prepared statement.

It also expands both the Police and Fire Departments, supports the installation of a new Fire Station on the West Side, and increases sworn police officers to 175.

Danbury’s infrastructure budget will nearly double annual road paving to 15 miles, up from the historic average of 8, while also supporting park improvements, storm management, and traffic improvements.

Operations funding totals $22.2 million, including $15.3 million for department needs, $2.9 million for Health and Welfare, and $4 million for culture and recreation. With the opening of Danbury High School West, Education is the largest driver of the budget with a $172 million allocation – a $12 million increase from last year and the most significant in recent years.

In addition to the allocated education funds, the City of Danbury will fund $12.8 million in in-kind services, $1.5 million in capital funds for school facility improvements, $4 million in one-time aid carried over from funds allocated by Mayor Alves last year, and more than $9 million in increased state Alliance Grant/ECS funding.

The city’s mill rate in 2025-2026 is set at 24.99, a 2.28% adjustment from last year, still below the inflation rate, keeping Danbury among Connecticut’s lowest-taxed cities.

“This is a responsible, forward-looking budget with clear priorities, and a plan to address the ongoing and complex needs of our community,” said Alves in a news release. “With a focus on good fiscal management, public safety, education, and improving our infrastructure, we’re making progress and delivering for Danbury, keeping taxes low and protecting our community’s best interests.”

“This budget reflects a lot of hard work, and Mayor Alves has laid out a clear vision,” said City Council President Peter Buzaid in a statement. “This plan puts Danbury in a strong position, and I am confident the city will make a lot of progress in the year ahead.”