City Council
Regular MeetingDanbury, CT · March 18, 2026
Minutes
~AD HOC REPORT~
Elected Officials’ Compensation
Wednesday, March 24, 2026
Chairman Joseph Britton called the meeting to order at 6:33pm, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Present
were Committee Members Michael Coelho, Cheryl Wallace-Smith, Lou Giordano and William
McAllister. From the City were Dan Garrick, Finance Director; and Farley Santos, Economic and
Community Development Advisor. Ex Officio members present were: Ryan Hawley, Ben Chianese,
Frank Salvatore and Peter Buzaid. From the public were Barry Rickert and John Neumuller.
Chair Britton provided an overview of the request and purpose of the ad hoc, and identified language in
the City Charter which provides legal validity to the request; he pointed to noted Sections 4 (Mayor) and
2-8 (Town Clerk) of the City Charter allows the Council to address compensation of both positions; he
noted that the Treasurer salary is a line item in the budget and is approved by the City Council, which
means the Council can also act on it.
Chair Britton spoke on the need to address these salaries so that they are on par with salaries of leaders
in other municipalities with similar sizes, as well as take cost of living adjustments into consideration.
Member McAllister reiterated the need to compensate quality leaders appropriately. Member Giordano
asked about comparative salaries from other municipalities; Chair Britton explained his research and
noted that the information in the sample table submitted with the resolution came from each
municipality’s most recent budgets; he further explained taking the average of salaries of leaders from
the top ten municipalities and added an estimated cost of living adjustment, totaling $165,000.
Member Wallace-Smith expressed her strong support for the request due to the clear discrepancy with
salaries of leaders in similar sized municipalities. Member Coelho asked if any of the cities used for
comparison employ a Town Manager; Chair Britton said he did not believe so but added that Greenwich
might. Member Coelho noted the absence of a Corporation Counsel representative at the meeting.
Mr. Hawley asked for confirmation that this increase is only for the three positions identified in the
request; Chair Britton confirmed. Mr. Chainese spoke on his research and spoke in favor of an increase
to the salaries of the Town Clerk and Mayor; he noted the need for additional data on the compensation
of Treasurers in other municipalities. Mr. Salvatore questioned why this was presented as a resolution
versus an ordinance, and pointed out that the salary adjustment request will only take effect for the next
election cycle (December 1, 2027).
Mr. Buzaid spoke on the possibility of low compensation being a deterrent for potential candidates, and
asked Member Coelho if he, in his role as a political party chair, has experienced anyone choosing not to
run for office due to the low salary; Mr. Coelho explained that there is an understanding by those who
run for office that the salary will not be the same as if they worked in the private sector, but noted other
benefits that come with working for the city including healthcare; he confirmed that he has not had
anyone specify salary as a deterrent.
Chair Britton reviewed the draft resolution; he explained that the initial salary adjustment will take
effect on December 1, 2027; after that, the cost of living increases will adjust with every municipal
election of a Mayor. Member Coelho asked for salary data for the positions of Town Clerk and
Treasurer; Chair Britton spoke on his comparison of the Town Clerk salary in Waterbury. Member
Giordano suggested that the cost of living increases be annual.
Mr. Chainese spoke about state statutes that require a declaration of salary before an election; he
suggested establishing a specific percentage salary increase every year. He supports a competitive salary
for the Town Clerk that is not based on the Mayor’s salary; he suggested that the Town Clerk’s base
salary be increased to $99,000. He also suggested that the calculations for the Mayor’s salary start with
a base salary of $155,000 instead of his current salary which is less.
Mr. Chianese asked about the tasks and hours of the Treasurer; Mr. Garrick explained that the Treasurer
is in the office two or three days a week to sign checks and review accounts payable vouchers; the
official also reviews the annual budget and addresses other matters throughout the year as needed. Chair
Britton suggested adjusting the percentages in the resolution to 20% for the Treasurer, and 55% for the
Town Clerk. Mr. Hawley spoke on the need to also evaluate the value and importance of the position,
and supports an annual increase. Mr. Buzaid asked if all employees receive an annual cost of living
increase; Mr. Garrick explained that increases are based on union contracts and non-union members do
not automatically receive annual increases.
Member Coelho asked Mr. Garrick for a list of the annual salaries of these three positions since 2000.
Chair Britton asked Mr. Garrick if the budget will be affected by these changes; Mr. Garrick confirmed
that these increases will have a minimal impact on future budgets. Mr. Chianese and Chair Britton noted
the salaries of town managers who are paid much more than many mayors.
Chair Britton reiterated the amendments to the resolution are; changes to salary percentage comparisons
for the Town Clerk and Treasurer; and an annual increase ,instead of a bi-annual increase based on
election schedules.
Member Coelho asked that the Office of Corporation Counsel provide confirmation that the
restructuring does not conflict with the City Charter.
A motion was made by Member Wallace-Smith, and seconded by Member McAllister, that this ad
hoc committee recommend to the full City Council, approval of the proposed resolution as amended;
establishing an index compensation structure for the Offices of Mayor, Town Clerk, and Treasurer.
The motion carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Member Coelho, and seconded by Member Wallace-Smith, to adjourn. The
motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:13p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Joseph Britton, Chair; William McAllister, Cheryl Wallace-Smith, Lou Giordano, Michael Coelho
Agenda
CITY OF DANBURY
155 DEER HILL AVENUE
DANBURY, CONNECTICUT 06810
www.danbury-ct.gov
ELISA ETCHETO PHONE: 203-797-4514
LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT FAX: 203-796-1529
e.etcheto@danbury-ct.gov
MEETING NOTICE
Who: City Council – Ad Hoc Committee
When: 6:30 PM – Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Where: 3rd Floor Caucus Room
City Hall, 155 Deer Hill Avenue
Purpose: Elected Officials’ Compensation
*Agenda Item on file in the Legislative Assistant’s Office and on the City website (Dec. 4, 2025).
Committee Members, Department Representatives & Petitioners:
Joseph Britton, Chair
William McAllister, Council
Cheryl Wallace Smith, Council
Lou Giordano, Council
Mike Coelho, Council
Corporation Counsel representative
Dan Garrick, Director of Finance
Mayor’s Office representative
Posted: Town Clerk Information Board City Website Calendar
Noticed: Robert Alves, Mayor Daniel Jowdy, Treasurer Laurie Esposito, Town Clerk
City Council Meeting - Dec. 4, 2025
5. RESOLUTION - Release of Mortgage - 5 Hoyt Street
*CONSENTED - as received.
6. RESOLUTION – Elected Officials' Compensation Request
A motion was made by Council member Salvatore, seconded by Council member Gartner, to receive
the communication and send this to an ad hoc committee consisting of Corporation Counsel, the
Finance department, and the Mayor’s Office. So Ordered.
The Mayor appointed to the ad hoc: Britton, Chair, McAllister, Wallace-Smith, Giordano, Coelho.
7. RESOLUTION – MOU Renewal for use of FCI Range for training - Police Department
*CONSENTED - as received.
8. RESOLUTION – LOTCIP (CT DOT / WestCOG) Funds for Citywide Pedestrian Safety & Traffic
Controller Upgrade Project - Engineering
A motion was made by Council member Robinson, seconded by Council member LaPine, to receive
the communication and authorize Roberto L. Alves, Mayor of the City of Danbury, and/or Antonio
Iadarola, Director of Public Works and City Engineer as his designee, to apply for and accept
funding available through the State of Connecticut, WestCOG LOTCIP, and to execute any and all
contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding, and all other documents necessary to effectuate
the purposes thereof, and to ratify all previous, and future actions taken in the furtherance thereof.
Council member Rotello asked Mr. Iadarola if the crosswalk at Miry Brook and Sugar Hollow would be
included for these funds; Mr. Iadarola confirmed it would not but other grants and funding sources will
be allocated for that project.
9. RESOLUTION – CT DOH Small Cities Grant - Amend for Additional Funding and Contract Extension -
Health and Human Services
A motion was made by Council member McAllister, seconded by Council member Salvatore, to
receive the communication and ratifies the action taken, and accepts the grant funds in the amount
not to exceed $124,000 from the CTDOH, to support homeless services in our community; and that
Roberto L. Alves, Mayor or Fernanda Carvalho, Director of Health and Human Services as his
designe,e to apply and accept said funds, and to execute all contracts and agreements necessary to
effectuate the purposes thereof. Motion Carried Unanimously.
Council member Chianese asked Ms. Carvalho if these funds will cover costs for the year; Ms. Carvalho
confirmed the shelters are currently running with funds, however, funds will be needed to cover deficits
towards the end of the fiscal year. Council member Rotello asked Ms. Carvalho about capacities at the
shelters; she confirmed emergency shelters have opened to accommodate additional needs due to the
weather.
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City of Danbury
155 DEER HILL AVENUE
DANBURY, CONNECTICUT 06810
City Council
17 November 2025
Peter Buzaid, President
Danbury City Council
City Hall
155 Deer Hill A venue
Danbuty, CT 06810
RE: Request for Ad Hoc - Elected Officials' Compensation Resolution
Dear Council President Buzaid,
We respectfully submit the attached resolution for consideration and referral to an ad hoc committee
of the City Council. The purpose of this resolution is to establish a clear, equitable, and sustainable
framework for adjusting compensation for the City's elected officers, including the Mayor, Town
Clerk, and Treasurer, effective December 1, 2027.
As part of this proposal, we are requesting that the Committee consider a salary reset for several
elected offices in order to correct longstanding inequities when compared with other similarly sized
municipalities in Connecticut. Based on current data from the ten largest municipalities in the state,
Danbury's Mayor ranks approximately $23,000 below the Top 10 average of $161,596.40.
Surrounding cities of comparable size, including Bridgeport, Stamford, Hartford, Waterbury, and
Norwalk, all compensate their chief executive officers at substantially higher levels.
This disparity is particularly significant given that the Mayor of Danbu1y holds the most demanding
and operationally intensive position in the entire municipal government. The responsibilities
associated with overseeing a rapidly growing city, managing complex multi-department operations,
ensuring public safety, and leading long-term economic and infrastructure planning far exceed those
of any other elected office in our city. Yet the compensation structure has not kept pace with the scale
of these demands or with market standards across Connecticut.
A salary reset would simply bring Danbury's elected offices into reasonable alignment with peer
municipalities and ensure that compensation reflects the scope of responsibility, professional
expectations, and the year-round, full-time nature of the role. This is an equity measure, a
competitiveness measure, and ultimately a measure to protect the long-term health and stability of
municipal leadership.
To avoid future stagnation or politicization of compensation decisions, the attached proposal also
establishes an indexed adjustment mechanism tied to the federal Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
used for Social Security and SSI benefits. This model creates a transparent, objective, and predictable
formula for annual updates ensuring fairness without requiring frequent legislative action. Comparable
municipalities have benefited from similar indexed systems, which promote stability and remove
compensation from the political cycle.
Given the significance of this matter and its long-term implications for municipal governance, we
respectfully request that an Ad Hoc Committee be established to review the proposed resolution,
evaluate its fiscal and administrative impacts, and make a recommendation to the full City Council.
Thank you for your consideration and leadership in facilitating a thorough and thoughtful review of
this proposal. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions or wish to discuss
the matter further.
Sincerely,
J-~ ./
Joseph W. Britton
Councilman Ward 4
2if4L, &/4;,,
T. William McAllister
Councilman Ward 4
cc. Corporation Counsel
Legislative Assistant
2
RESOLUTION
CITY OF DANBURY, STATE OF CONNECTICUT
2026
RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DANBURY
WHEREAS, pursuant to the City Charter, the City Council shall have the
authority to fix the compensation of elected officers of the City, including the
Mayor, Town Clerk, and City Treasurer; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed the current compensation levels of
said elected officers and deems it necessary and appropriate to establish fair
and reasonable adjustments to take effect beginning with the term commencing
December 1, 2027;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT effective December 1, 2027,
the following compensation structure shall apply:
1) Mayoral Base Compensation. Effective on December 1, 2027 the
Mayor shall be paid an annual salary in an amount equal to One Hundred
Sixty-Five Thousand and 00/100 ($165,000.00) Dollars. Thereafter, the
salary of the Mayor shall be adjusted only at the commencement of the
Mayor's Term of Office, to reflect any changes (the 'Term Increment").
a) The Term Increment. The Term Increment shall be equal to the
cumulative sum of the Cost-of-Living Adjustment ("COLA") for Social Security
and SSI benefits for a period of time equivalent to the Mayor's Term of Office.
i) Cumulative. For purposes of this provision the word "cumulative" shall
mean the sum of the annual percentage COLA for the number of years
equivalent to the Mayor's Term of Office.
ii) Equivalent to the Mayor's Term of Office. For purposes of this provision
the term "equivalent to the Mayor's Term of Office" shall mean the period of
time prior to the year in which the Term Increment shall be established.
2) Town Clerk Base Compensation. Effective on December 1, 2027 the
Town Clerk shall be paid an annual salary in an amount equal to fifty (50%)
percent of the salary of the Mayor. The salary of the Town Clerk shall be
adjusted only at the commencement of the Mayor's Term of Office, to reflect
any changes.
3) Treasurer Compensation. Effective on December 1, 2027 the City
Treasurer shall be paid an annual salary in the amount equal to twenty
(25%) percent of the salary of the Mayor. The salary of the City Treasurer
shall be adjusted only at the commencement of the Mayor's Term of Office, to
reflect any changes.
Rank by population Municipality Salary Title
1 Bridgeport $175,949.00 Mayor
2 Stamford $203,856.00 Mayor
3 New Haven $134,013.00 Mayor
4 Hartford $201,023.00 Mayor
5 Waterbury $160,201.00 Mayor
6 Norwalk $178,879.00 Mayor
7 Danbury $138,145.00 Mayor
8 New Britain $112,475.00 Mayor
9 Fairfield $156,250.00 First Selectman
10 Greenwich $155,173.00 First Selectman
AVERAGE TOP 10 $161,596.40
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