Government - Greenwich Answer Book

Where are town offices?

Most town offices are in Town Hall, which is at 101 Field Point Road, Greenwich 06830. For information, call 622-7700. The town Web site is greenwichct.org. Office hours generally are from 8:30 to 4:30, Monday through Friday, although some offices may open or close earlier or later. 

 

Who is the chief executive of the town?

The first selectman is Peter Tesei, a Republican elected in November 2007. His office is on the first floor of Town Hall and he can be reached at 622-7710. He is a full-time chief executive officer of the town. Among his duties are developing and submitting a town budget, and overseeing a number of town departments including fire, police, parks and recreation, parking services, public works, and purchasing and administration.

He is also chairman of the Board of Selectmen, which consists of Lin Lavery, a Democrat and Peter Crumbine, a Republican. The board appoints members of the Housing Authority, Jury Committee, and Shellfish Commission. It also nominates members of a number of other boards that are then appointed by the Representative Town Meeting (RTM).

Under the direction of the first selectman is Town Administrator John Crary, who is responsible for the day-to-day administrative functions of the town. 

 

Is there a directory of town officials?

Yes. There is a directory of officials on the town Web site, greenwichct.org. A list of elected officials and primary staff members is in Town Officials section of the Greenwich Answerbook.

 

What is the Representative Town Meeting?

The Representative Town Meeting, more commonly referred to at the RTM, is the legislative body of the town, which gets its powers from the Town Charter. Greenwich has used this form of government since 1933. The Greenwich RTM consists of 230 members elected by voters in the town’s 12 districts. RTM delegates run on a non-partisan basis, serve without compensation, and are elected for a two-year term. RTM members are listed on the town Web site greenwichct.org. The League of Women Voters publishes a Directory of the Representative Town Meeting of Greenwich, which also lists all members.

Although only elected representatives may vote, all town citizens may and are encouraged to attend RTM meetings and may speak.

 

What does the RTM do?

The RTM approves all town expenditures over $5,000; approves, reduces, and eliminates appropriations; approves or rejects nominations to town bodies as made by the selectmen; decides whether the town shall accept federal or state funds for town projects; creates special committees to deal with particular subjects such as labor contracts or redistricting; acts as the final planning authority on municipal improvements; and initiates and passes ordinances. It can also urge other branches of government to initiate legislation.

 

Is the RTM’s word final?

No. A referendum may overrule RTM action on major financial or civil matters. A petition of three percent of the town’s electorate collected within five days can trigger a town-wide vote. If 25 percent of the town’s electorate votes to reduce an appropriation or nullify the legislation in question, the public vote supersedes the RTM action.

 

When does the RTM meet?

There are eight regularly scheduled meetings, all at 8 p.m. at Central Middle School.

The schedule for 2009 is:

• January 20
• March 9
• May 11
• June 8
• September 21
• October 26
• December 14

 

Who may run for an RTM seat?

Any citizen of Greenwich who is registered to vote is eligible to serve on the RTM. New candidates must file a petition signed by at least 25 voters in their home district with the town clerk by Sept. 15 of an election year. Mid-term vacancies must be publicized by district chairs and will be filled in a special election. Any voter of that district interested in the seat should contact the district chair.

 

What is the town budget?

The Fiscal Year 2009 municipal budget is $355,788,900, a decrease of 4.7% (due to a large decrease in capital expenditures) from the previous year. The breakdown is as follows:

• Town services - $20,552,027 (up 4.28%)
• Education - $124,974,846 (up 4.77%)
• Fixed charges - $71,436,027 (up 7.26%)
• Capital - $38,826,000 (down 45.95%)

A budget for Fiscal Year 2010 will be approved by the RTM in the spring.

 

What is the current tax rate in town?

In Connecticut, property tax rates are expressed in Mills, or thousandths of a dollar. The current tax rate is 8.035 mills, or .008035 expressed in decimal form. It results in the payment of $8.035 for each $1,000 of a property’s assessed value. The Board of Estimate and Taxation sets the mill rate each May, in time for the July tax bills.

 

What is a grand list?

A New England term, the grand list is the town’s tax base and reflects the assessed values of all taxable property in town. The assessor compiles it every Oct. 1. The updated grand list for 2008, was reported at $34,181,164,477. Of that amount, $27,460,792,170 was attributed to residential real estate, with an additional $4,180,702,470 attributed to commercial real estate. Industrial properties, vacant land, use land, public utilities, and apartments accounted for another $1,251,455,590.

The other two facets are assessed values of motor vehicles, $682,648,560; and personal property, which accounts for $630,786,617.

Copies of the grand list books for 2008 and previous years are available in hard copy or on a CD ROM for purchase in the assessor’s office.

 

Who determines how much my house is worth for taxing purposes?

Assessments are handled through the assessor’s office (622-7885) on the first floor of Town Hall. Assessments are pegged at 70 percent of market value.

 

How do I find the assessed value of my home?

You may go into the assessor’s office for this information or access the assessed value of any property in town online. Go to the Assessor’s Web page at greenwichct.org. You may also call the office at 622-7885.

 

What do I do if I think my assessment is unfair?

You should first ask for an informal hearing with the appraisers to correct any mistakes and better understand the basis for the valuation. These hearings are done in the last quarter of the year. If you still wish to contest your assessment, you may request a formal hearing before the Board of Assessment Appeals. The deadline each year is in mid-March. Appeals are held in April.

 

How often is property revalued?

The state requires each town must conduct a revaluation at least every five years. Greenwich completed its last revaluation for the Oct. 1, 2005 Grand List. The next revaluation is planned for the Oct. 1, 2009 Grand List. Taxes due in July and January will be based on the new assessment.

The revaluation will be conducted by an outside firm under the direction of the assessor’s office. More information is available at the assessor’s Web page at greenwichct.org.

 

Where and when do I pay my town taxes?

You may pay your tax bills in one of three ways: online or by telephone with a credit card (online at greenwichct.org or by calling 1-800-272-9829, jurisdiction code 1730), by mail with a check (Tax Collector, P.O. Box 3002, Greenwich 06836-3002), or at Town Hall with cash or check (Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 3:30 at the tax collector’ office).

Real estate, motor vehicle, and personal property taxes are due July 1, and you have 30 days to pay. The second half of real estate taxes and taxes on motor vehicles registered after Oct. 1 are due Jan. 1, payable within 30 days.

 

What happens if I don’t pay my taxes on time?

Failure to pay taxes results in an interest charged on the unpaid balance at the annual rate of 18%, and a lien is placed on the land records in the town clerk’s office, which prevents any sale of property until taxes are paid.

If you do not receive a tax bill, you must contact the tax collector’s office. Failure to receive a tax bill does not release you from paying any taxes or interest for late payments.

 

Who is the tax collector?

Lou Caravella is the Greenwich Tax Collector. His office is on the first floor of Town Hall. The phone number is 622-7891. Phone hours are 8 to 4; window hours are 8:30 to 3:30.

 

Can veterans, the elderly, or disabled get tax breaks?

Yes. To file for state and local elderly or disabled homeowner’s tax relief benefits, you must complete an application, available at the assessor’s office, and file it between Feb. 1 and May 15.

Veterans must also file an application for tax benefits. Call the assessor’s hotline at 618-7615, or speak with an assistant by calling 622-7885.

 

How are car taxes figured?

Car assessments are based on the National Automobile Dealers appraisal guide. The assessed value of the vehicle is 70 percent of the published average retail selling price.

 

I got a tax bill for a car I don’t own anymore. What should I do?

Notify the assessor’s office at 622-7885. Also notify the Department of Motor Vehicles to make certain is has a record of returned license plates.

 

What do the registrars of voters do?

Registrars Fred DeCaro (Republican) and Sharon Vecchiola (Democratic) are elected for a term of two years and serve as the local arm of the Connecticut Secretary of State. They administer all federal, state and constitutional provisions relating to elections, town meetings and referenda. They are responsible for safeguarding the integrity of the election process, including the acquisition and exercise of voter rights. They are also responsible for hiring and training the election officials who serve at every election and town meeting. They may be reached at 622-7889 or 622-7890.

 

What are our political parties and enrollments?

As of Jan. 15, 2009, there were 35,702 active registered voters in Greenwich.

The breakdown by parties:

• Republican - 13,586
• Democrat - 9,100
• Unaffiliated - 12,716
• Other - 300

 

Who can register to vote?

To register, one must be a U.S. citizen, living in Greenwich, and 18 years of age or older. There is no length of residency requirement to register. Seventeen-year-olds may pre-register, although they don’t become voters until their 18th birthday.

 

When and where may I register?

The deadline to register to vote is two weeks prior to Election Day. However, if your right to vote “matures” after that deadline — say you just move to town or have your 18th birthday — you may register at the Registrar’s Office before noon on Election Day.

In all other cases, you may stop in at the office of the Registrars of Voters or the Town Clerk in Town Hall, Monday through Friday from 8 to 4, and register in person. You may also call 622-7889 or 622-7890 and request a mail application form. Voter registration forms are also available online at greenwichct.org. Periodically, the registrars offer special registration sessions to accommodate those who cannot make it to Town Hall during business hours.

You may also register to vote when you are renewing your driver’s license. An application comes with your renewal form.

 

Do I need to bring documents when I register?

You should have identification to prove who you are, such as a driver’s license or a passport. You will need to submit identification information when registering by mail.

 

Do I need to renew my voting privileges?

No, renewal of voting privileges is not necessary unless you have moved away for a period and are moving back to town.

 

How can I find out where I should vote?

Because Greenwich covers such a large area, there are many polling places. You may find out where to vote online at greenwichct.org or by calling the registrars’ office at 622-7889 or 622-7890.

 

Who can vote by absentee ballot?

Any registered voter who will be out of town during all voting hours may cast an absentee ballot. Certain other reasons, such as illness or physical disability, religious beliefs, or your duties as an election official at a district other than your own allow use of absentee ballots by people who will be in town during polling hours. If you are a first-time voter voting by absentee ballot you may be required to submit identification with your ballot.

You may vote by absentee ballot for any federal, state or local municipal election.

 

How and where do I get an absentee ballot?

You must first fill out an application, which you may pick up at the town clerk’s office in the town hall, or it may be mailed to you. Call 622-7897.

After you return the application, it will be processed and the absentee ballot will be sent to you, but not until two to four weeks before the actual election. If the ballot is printed and ready, you may fill it out at the town clerk’s office.

 

What are the town’s elected bodies?

They are the Board of Education, and Board of Selectmen. Other elected officials include constables, justices of the peace, and the probate judge. 

 

What are the town’s appointed bodies?

• Alarm Appeal Board
• Architectural Review Committee
• Board of Assessment Appeals
• Board of Estimate and Taxation
• Board of Ethics
• Board of Health
• Board of Parks and Recreation
• Board of Social Services
• Building Code Board of Standards & Appeals
• Flood & Erosion Control Board
• Inland Wetlands and Watercourses
• Nathaniel Witherell Board
• Planning & Zoning Board of Appeals
• Retirement Board
• Commission on Aging
• Conservation Commission
• Historic District Commission
• Planning & Zoning Commission
• Shellfish Commission

Special committees appointed by the First Selectman are:

• Affirmative Action Advisory Committee
• Advisory Committee on Aircraft Noise
• Capital Improvement Committee
• Charter Revision Committee
• GCTV Committee (Channel 79)
• Nominations Advisory Committee
• Transportation Committee
• Transportation Committee
• Westchester Task Force

 

How can I participate on a town board or committee?

The Town of Greenwich Nominations Advisory Board is operated by the First Selectman’s Office. The board solicits and guides the participation of residents interesting in serving the town in a voluntary capacity. Call 622-7710.

 

What does the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency do?

This agency is a regulatory body required by the state and created by local ordinance. The seven appointed members and three alternates review all developmental activities proposed within and adjacent to inland wetland and watercourse areas at regular monthly meetings normally held on the fourth Monday of each month.

Professional staff is available to answer questions from 9 to noon on weekdays, or by appointment. To reach the staff, call 622-7736.

 

What is the Board of Estimate and Taxation?

The Board of Estimate & Taxation is responsible for the proper administration of the financial affairs of the town including the issuance of the annual recommended budget and setting the town tax mill rate. The board also acts on requests for additional appropriations, transfers and allotments made during the fiscal year. Finally, it is also responsible for the town’s Annual Report and other financial reports. The office number is 622-7720. Members are listed under Town Officials in the Greenwich Answer Book.

 

What is the Planning & Zoning Board of Appeals?

The Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals (622-7753) is an administrative agency that acts in a quasi-judicial capacity. The board hears and decides appeals for variances, special exceptions for certain property uses, and overriding an order or decision of the Zoning Enforcement Officer. Also, decisions of the Planning and Zoning Commission involving subdivisions may be appealed to the Board. There are five regular members and three alternates. For an appeal to be granted it must receive four affirmative votes. All members are volunteers.

The board meets the third Wednesday of each month. Members are listed under Town Officialsin the Greenwich Answer Book.

 

What does the Planning & Zoning Commission do?

The powers and duties of this commission are many, including the regulation and review of municipal improvement projects and subdivisions of land. The commission is charged with upholding local zoning standards in its review of site plans, subdivisions, coastal site plan applications, accessory apartment applications, sign applications, sedimentation and erosion control plans, and zoning regulation amendments among other responsibilities. The commission also coordinates with the Architectural Review Committee for all exterior alterations to commercial and multi-family projects and applications, and the Historic District Commission for Historic Overlay Zone applications and activity regarding historic structures, scenic roads, and local historic districts.

In addition, the commission assigns all street numbers, updates street and property maps, and provides demographic, land use, and census information and computer-based map information to the public and other government agencies. 

Commission members include Chairman Donald Heller, Frank Farricker, Richard Maitland, Paul S. Marchese, and Raymond J. Heimbuch. For information, call 622-7894.

 

What does the town clerk do?

The office of Town Clerk Carmella C. Budkins is one of the busiest in town. The town clerk’s office is the official state recording agency for the town, keeping marriage, civil union, birth, and death records; issuing hunting and fishing permits, issuing dog licenses, and maintaining all documents related to ownership of real property.

The office is on the first floor of Town Hall. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 to 4. For information, call 622-7897. For Assistant Registrar of Vital Statistics Barbara Lowden, call 622-7869.

 

Can I get a copy of a birth or death certificates?

Births, deaths, marriages, and civil unions that have occurred in Greenwich are filed with the Vital Statistics Division of the town clerk’s office. Copies may be ordered for $5 each, however there are restrictions on who may order what. For details, call 622-7897.

 

Where do I get a marriage license?

A marriage license may be obtained in the town where the bride lives, the groom lives, or where the wedding will take place. No blood test is required. The fee is $30. Both the bride and groom must apply in person for the license, which is issued immediately. If you live in Greenwich and are applying for a license here, you must bring proof of residency. The town clerk’s office issues marriage licenses. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 to 4. No appointment is needed. For details, call 622-7869.

 

Where do I get a civil union license?

The town clerk’s office issues licenses for civil unions. Both parties must appear in person to apply for the license. As with a marriage license, couples may apply in the town where they live or where the ceremony will be performed. Proof of residency is required. The fee is $30 and the license is valid for 65 days. No appointment is necessary. For information, call 622-7869.

 

What does a Justice of the Peace do?

All Justices of the Peace may join persons in marriage or civil unions, and may notarize documents. Justices of the Peace are elected every four years by Republican and Democratic Town Committees. There are 30 Justices of the Peace in Greenwich. A list is available from the town clerk’s office (622-7897) or online at greenwichct.org.

 

What does the probate court do?

The Greenwich Probate Court has been serving the people in town since 1853. Probate Judge David W. Hopper was elected for a four-year term. The court has jurisdiction over wills and the administration of estates and living trusts. It determines title to real and personal property, may appoint guardians for the developmentally disabled, remove unfit parents as guardians of their children, and grant adoptions and name changes. A detailed listing of responsibilities is on the court’s Web page at greenwichct.org. Probate court is in town hall; call 622-7879.

 

What is a notary public?

A notary public is someone legally empowered to witness signatures, certify documents, and take depositions and affidavits. Every bank has one on staff, and the town justices of the peace are notaries. Some real estate agents are notary publics. Don Migliardi (625-8130) is a notary public available seven days at Packages Plus-N-More.

 

Where can I get a passport?

For a new passport, you must apply in person, which you may do at the post office on Greenwich Avenue or Valley Drive, or the Glenville Post Office, the Ferguson Library in Stamford (One Public Library Plaza), or the Port Chester (NY) Post Office (245 Westchester Avenue). You must have two photos of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license. Allow six weeks to eight weeks for processing, although expedited service is available. If you are traveling within two weeks, you may visit the passport agency at 50 Washington Street in Norwalk. Hours are 9 to 4, but an appointment is required by calling 1-877-487-2778. This is also where you may obtain visas for foreign travel.

You may renew your passport by mail if: you have it to submit, you received it within the past 15 years, you were over age 16 when it was issued, and you still have the same name or can legally document your name change. Otherwise, you must renew in person. Renewal applications are available online at travel.state.gov. Don’t wait to renew. You may have some trouble if your passport expires in less than six months.

 

Can a commission or board meet privately?

Generally, all meetings involving a quorum of commission or board members (three members of a five-person board, four of a six-member board) must be open to the public. However, Connecticut statutes allow a commission to close a meeting to the public if it is discussing personnel matters, litigation strategy or contract negotiations.

To close a meeting and enter into “executive session,” the board must take a vote and the meeting’s closure must be supported by two-thirds of those present and voting. The commission cannot take any action while in an executive session. It must return to open session before voting on any items.

 

What if I think a commission held an illegal private meeting?

You may file a complaint with the state Freedom of Information office (860-566-5682), 18-20 Trinity Street, Hartford, 06106.

 

What state senatorial district are we in?

Greenwich is in the 36th state Senatorial District, represented by State Senator L. Scott Frantz, a Republican who was elected in November 2008. He also represents parts of Stamford and New Canaan.

Mr. Frantz can be reached at Legislative Office Building, Room 3400, Hartford 06106, 1-800-842-1421. E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 

What state house districts are we in?

Greenwich comprises three state house districts: the 149th, 150th, and 151st.

The northwestern section of Greenwich is in the 149th district, represented by Livvy R. Floren, Assistant Republican Leader. She can be reached at 210 Round Hill Road, Greenwich 06831; 203-661-5758 or 1-800-842-1423.

The coastal section of Greenwich is in the 150th district, represented by Lile R. Gibbons, a Republican first elected in 2001. She is also Assistant Republican Leader. She can be reached at 27 Sunset Road, Old Greenwich 06870, 203-637-0784 or 1-800-842-1423.

The eastern portion of Greenwich is in the 151st district, represented by Fred Camillo, a Republican who was elected in November 2008. He may be reached at Room 4200, Legislative Office Building, Hartford, CT 06106, 800-842-1423 or 800-240-8700. E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 

How can I express my views to the governor?

Write to Governor M. Jodi Rell at State Capitol, 210 Capitol Avenue, Hartford 06106, call 860-566-4840 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 

Who represents us in the U.S. Senate?

Connecticut’s senators are Christopher Dodd and Joseph Lieberman.

Senator Dodd, a Democrat, may be reached at Room 448, Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510, 202-224-2823; or Connecticut Constituent Office, 100 Great Meadow Road, Room 205, Wethersfield 06109, 800-334-5341; or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Web site: dodd.senate.gov.

Senator Lieberman, an Independent who caucuses with the Democrats, may be reached at 706 Hart Senate Building, Washington, DC 20510, 202-224-4041; or 1 Constitution Plaza, 7th Floor, Hartford 06103, 800-225-5605, fax 860-549-8478; or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Web site: lieberman.senate.gov.

 

Who represents us in the House of Representatives?

Greenwich is in the 4th Congressional District and is represented by Jim Himes, a Democrat.

His local office is at 888 Washington Blvd., Stamford 06901-2927. Local phone numbers are 203-310-7711; fax 203-210-7703

In Washington, he is at 214 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC 20515; 202-225-5541, fax 202-225-9629; Web site: himes.house.gov.

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