Board of Estimate & Taxation 03-09-2026

The City of Norwalk's Board of Estimate and Taxation held a special meeting on March 9, 2026, focusing on a detailed review of the citywide departmental budgets, particularly within the finance division. Key discussions included salary adjustments, departmental staffing levels, and operational efficiencies across finance, tax assessor, tax collector, accounting and treasury, purchasing, and IT departments. The finance team highlighted accomplishments such as implementing a new timekeeping system and managing collective bargaining agreements. The tax assessor's office reported a slight budget decrease and discussed property assessments and revaluation plans. The tax collector's office emphasized its role in generating significant city revenue through tax sales and efforts to increase electronic payments. The accounting and treasury department addressed salary increases due to collective bargaining and payroll processing changes. The purchasing department focused on maintaining flat budgets and improving procurement processes with electronic systems. The IT department detailed investments in city-owned fiber networks, cybersecurity enhancements, and the development of a citywide AI policy to improve efficiency and security. Throughout, there was a strong emphasis on exploring consolidation opportunities, improving operational efficiencies, and leveraging technology to enhance city services while managing budget constraints.