Hot topic: Town residents will decide whether to change the elected terms of the police chief and road agent from one to three years. If approved, the change will not take effect until Town Meeting 2020.
Danbury has historically had a part-time police chief; however, officials have debated whether there is an increased need to make the position full-time or if the department should have a full-time officer.
Budget: The proposed operating budget is $1,340,644, up $79,200 from last year’s approved budget of $1,261,444. Should the 2019 proposed budget not pass, a default budget of $1,298,756 will take effect. Selectmen and the budget committee recommended increasing the highway department’s budget by more than $40,000 to help cover expenses stemming from a Dec. 1 fire that started inside a truck. The town is forgoing other capital improvement projects this year to ensure the highway department can be fully operational.
Noteworthy articles: The town will be asked to set aside money in various capital reserve funds including $25,000 for highway equipment and $5,000 firefighter breathing apparatuses. Also, residents will vote on whether to accept a $2,500 grant from the state’s Department of Environmental Services for the cleaning and maintenance of a used waste oil furnace.
When and where: The town’s deliberative session will take place on Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. at the Danbury Town Hall on High Street. Ballot voting will take place on March 12 between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., also at the town hall.