Where are town offices?

The town hall is at 2 Renshaw Road. Offices are open 8:30 to 4:30 weekdays. They are closed weekends and holidays. For general information, call 656-7300. The town maintains a Web site at darienct.gov.

Who is the chief executive of the town?

The first selectwoman is Evonne Klein, a Democrat. Her office, Room 202 in town hall, is open from 8:30 to 4:30. She may be reached at 656-7338 or eklein@darienct.gov. Ms. Klein holds a First Selectwoman’s Night Out/In once a month to encourage dialogue with the community. For details, check The Darien Times or the town Web site.

Ms. Klein is also chairman of the Board of Selectmen, which includes David Bayne (D), Seth Morton (R), Linda Santarella (R), and Callie Anne Sullivan (D). The first selectman and the board members are elected for a two-year term each in odd-numbered years.

An administrative officer appointed by the Board of Selectmen handles day-to-day operations. The board is responsible for directing the administration, policy-making, and daily affairs of the town.

Who is the Town Administrative Officer?

The town administrative officer is Karl Kilduff. His office, Room 202 in town hall, is open from 8:30 to 4:30. He may be reached at 656-7333 or kkilduff@darienct.gov.

Is there a directory of town officials?

There are several. The town publishes an annual report that describes town departments and lists all officials. Copies are available at town hall. There is also a list on the town’s Web site, darienct.gov.

A list of officials and board members also appears in the Answer Book.

What is the Representative Town Meeting?

At a traditional Town Meeting, all registered voters may attend and vote on issues. Darien switched to a Representative Town Meeting in 1951. The Representative Town Meeting, also known as an RTM, is composed of 100 members who represent six districts. They are elected to two-year terms, without party affiliation.

As a legislative body, members of the RTM pass laws and ordinances and appropriate money. The RTM also approves collective bargaining contracts with town employees.

When does the RTM meet?

There are six regularly scheduled meetings. The Annual Town Meeting is the second Monday of November, followed four weeks later by the State of the Town Meeting. Additional meetings are the fourth Monday of January, the third Monday of March, the second Monday of May (annual budget meeting), and the fourth Monday of September. Special meetings may also be called.

All meetings begin at 8:15 p.m. in the Town Hall Auditorium.

Who may attend the meetings?

All meetings are open to the public. Darien residents may participate in the meetings, but only members may make motions or vote.

Is the RTM’s word final?

The following actions by the RTM are subject to overrule by referendum: passage of an ordinance, expenditure of $50,000 or more for any purpose, or the issuance of bonds. A referendum may be requested by a petition.

Who can become a member of the RTM?

Any registered voter in Darien is eligible to be elected to the RTM. Prospective candidates must get at least 25 voters in their district to sign a petition. Nomination petitions must be filed with the town clerk between eight and 12 weeks before the election. Members may run for re-election. Half the membership is elected each year. For complete rules, call the town clerk at 656-7307.

What is the town budget?

The Board of Selectmen’s budget for 2007-08 is $36.4 million.

The Board of Education budget for 2007-08 is $62.5 million.

What is the grand list?

A New England term, the grand list is the town’s tax base and represents all taxable property in town. It is compiled each year on Oct. 1, but is not finalized until Jan. 30. The grand list reflects a 70% assessed value of all included property.

The 2007 Gross Taxable Grand List was $6,606,255,385, an increase of nearly $90 million over the previous year. That breaks down to real estate: $6,310,307,090; motor vehicles: $218,602,845; personal property: $78,793,100. The real estate figures represent 6,993 parcels.

What is the town’s bond rating?

The town’s bond rating is Aaa.

What is the current tax rate in town?

The current Darien tax rate on both assessed property and personal property is 13.87 mills, which represents a real tax of $13.87 on each $1,000 of assessed value.

What is the revaluation program?

A revaluation involves appraising all real estate in town at current fair market value in order to equalize assessments. The state requires each municipality to undergo a revaluation every four years. Darien completed its latest revaluation in 2003. Those  assessments (70% of fair market value) were reflected in tax bills in July 2004.

The town is undertaking a new full revaluation this year, to be conducted by an outside firm. It will reflect market value as of Oct. 1, 2008. Assessment notices are scheduled to be mailed no later than Nov. 14, 2008.

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

The town assessor’s office is responsible for determining the assessed value of each home. The assessor is Anthony Homicki, CCMA II. His office is in Room 102, town hall, 8:30 to 4:30, 656-7310. An outside firm is brought in to assist the assessor in performing the updating of all taxable and exempt values in the year of revaluation.

How do I find the assessed value of my home?

You may call the assessor (656-7310) or the tax collector (656-7314), or you may go to the assessor’s office and look at the field card for your property. The field card lists the particulars in figuring the valuation of your home. Copies of the field card are available for a nominal charge.

Is there anything I can do if I don’t agree with my assessment?

Property owners who disagree with the assessment may appeal to the Board of Assessment Appeal. This three-member board is elected for a three-year term in odd-numbered years.

The board meets in March to hear real estate and personal property appeals and September exclusively for motor vehicle appeals. Visit the assessor’s office the month before to request an appointment and get an application. Call 656-7310.

Who is the town treasurer?

Joan D. Hendrickson, elected in November 2005, is the town treasurer. Her office is in Room 201 at town hall, 656-7336, jhendrickson@darienct.gov.

Who is the tax collector?

Robert Locke is Darien’s tax collector. He is elected to a two-year term. His office is in Room 104 of town hall. His phone number is 656-7314, and his e-mail is blocke@darienct.gov.

Where and when do I pay my town taxes?

Property and personal property taxes are due in two installments, July 1 and Jan. 1, and may be paid at the tax collector’s office in town hall, or mailed to the address on the bill. Taxes may be paid within 30 days of the due date without penalty.

Vehicle taxes are due in one installment on July 1.

What do my taxes pay for?

Taxes support schools, police, road improvements, debt payments, and all other town services. A detailed accounting of how collected taxes are spent is in the annual town report.

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

You will be charged a 1.5% interest each month on the installment balance. This works out to 18% annually.

Does the town ever foreclose on tax-debtor property?

Although the town has the right to foreclose, tax collector Robert Locke said the town tries to work with people finding it difficult to pay their taxes.

Who qualifies for a tax break?

Elderly residents may apply for tax relief through the assessor’s office from Feb. 1 through May 15, each year. To qualify for the town program that offers a waiver of up to 95% of the normal tax, applicants must be 65 or permanently and totally disabled. Their income cannot be more than $37,800 if single, $44,300 if married. Darien also has an option for taxpayers over age 65 to defer their taxes as long as their income is under $57,800 for single and $64,300 for a married couple. There is also a state tax credit program. For details, call the assessor’s office at 656-7310.

Veterans who have served 90 days during an active period of war, received an honorable discharge, and filed their discharge papers (DD214) with the town clerk are eligible for a tax break within income guidelines: single, $28,800; married, $35,300. One-hundred-percent disabled veterans are eligible for additional benefits as long as their income is under $18,000 single, $21,000 married.

How are car taxes figured?

Car taxes are levied at the same mill rate of 13.87 used for property taxes. The mill rate is applied to the current assessed value of the car. For example, if the assessed value of your car is $1,000, you will pay $13.87 in personal property taxes for the year.

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

The Department of Motor Vehicles maintains vehicle ownership records, which it forwards to the town assessor’s office. DMV will continue sending ownership reports to the town until a vehicle’s license plates are turned in. To remove a car from the tax roll, return the plates to the DMV office on Main Avenue in Norwalk and take the DMV return receipt to the assessor’s office.

Who is the town clerk and what does she do?

Donna E. Rajczewski is Darien’s town clerk. Her office is in Room 101 in town hall. It is open 8:30 to 4:30 weekdays. Her phone number is 656-7307.

The town clerk is responsible for maintaining numerous records and documents including: marriage licenses, birth records, burial and disinterment permits, cremation certificates, dog licenses, and copies or certified copies of land records and maps. She handles the filing of liquor permits and land records, and records deeds and survey maps. She is also responsible for scheduling meetings and recording meetings of RTM and RTM committees and various town boards and commissions. Her office also handles absentee ballot voter registration (from noon to 4:30).

The town clerk is elected every two years. She may be e-mailed at drjczewski@darienct.gov.

Can I look up old deeds in town hall?

Deeds are open to the public and available for review at the town clerk’s office.

Are birth, marriage, and death records public?

The general public can look at marriage and death record indexes and get copies. Certified copies of a birth certificate will be issued only to the person in question or, in the case of a minor, their parents. Be prepared to provide photo identification and sign a release affirming you are who you say you are.

How do I get a marriage license?

A license may be obtained from the town in which the bride or groom lives, or where the wedding will take place. Blood tests are not required. The fee is $30 and the license is good for 65 days. Call the town clerk for details at 656-7307.

How do I get a license for a civil union?

A civil union is a legal union between two people of the same sex, which grants them the same benefits, rights and protections as are granted to spouses in a marriage. Connecticut recognizes civil unions.

Licenses may be obtained in the town clerk’s office. There is no waiting period and no residency requirement. The fee is $30. The ceremony may be performed by a justice of the peace or a minister. For details, call Ms. Rajczewski at 656-7307.

Besides clergy, who can officiate at weddings?

A justice of the peace may officiate at a wedding within the state, and federal judges may officiate at weddings anywhere. To find a justice of the peace, call the town clerk’s office (656-7307).

What is a notary public? Where can I find one?

A notary public is someone legally empowered to witness signatures, certify documents, and take depositions and affidavits. Every bank has one on staff. Some real estate agents are notary publics, as are some public officials. There are several at the Darien Library, and there is a notary service at The UPS Store in the Goodwives Shopping Plaza (655-6543). Some may charge a small fee to notarize a document.

Where can I apply for a passport?

You may obtain a new passport or renew an expired one by filling out an application. Applicants need two copies of a current passport-size photo.

To renew a passport, applicants will need to send the old passport along with the application. To obtain a passport for the first time, a birth certificate with a raised seal is necessary. Applications must be signed before the issuing agent.

The Darien Post Office processes passport applications, and can also take photos, if needed. The post office also offers the new passport card, good for land and sea crossings to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. It is not valid for air travel. (See below.) Passport hours are Tuesday through Friday from 9 to 2:30 and Saturday from 9 to 11:30. Appointments are required; call Peggy Andral at 655-2595.

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 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 while traveling if your passport expires in less than six months.

New requirements went into effect  Jan. 1, 2007, requiring you have a valid passport to re-enter the United States when traveling by air or sea to Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, or Bermuda. The same requirements extended to all land border crossings as of Jan. 1, 2008. For complete information, visit the U.S. State Department site at state.gov.

What do the registrars of voters do?

The registrars keep up to date with current voting laws, maintain the lists of qualified voters, keep the voting machines in working order, and register new voters. They are elected to two-year terms.

Darien has two registrars of voters: Thomas R. Dunn, Democrat, 656-7319, and Donald Paul Smith, Republican, 656-7301. Their office, in Room 106 in Town Hall, is open 8:30 to 4:30. The general number is 656-7316.

Who can register to vote?

To register, you must be 17 years old or older, be a U.S. citizen, and bona fide resident of Darien. You must be 18 to vote.

New residents may register as soon as they move to town. There is no waiting period.

How do I register to vote?

There are several ways to register. You may register in person by visiting the registrars of voters’ office in town hall. If the office is closed, you may go to the town clerk’s office from noon until 4:30. Bring a driver’s license or some form of identification. A special registration session is held on a Saturday two weeks prior to an election.

You may also register by mail. Applications are available at the registrars’ office, Darien Library, Department of Motor Vehicles, and other state agencies. A form is also available from the secretary of the state’s Web site (ct.gov) or the Darien registrars’ site (darienct.gov). Click on Town Officials and follow the links. It may be printed out and mailed to the registrars’ office.

A person temporarily living in another state, such as a college student, may register to vote by filling out a Connecticut voter registration application and mailing it to the Darien registrars. A voter registration session is always held yearly at Darien High School in the spring prior to graduation.

Anyone wishing to vote in a general election must register at least seven days in advance. Mail-in applications must be postmarked 14 days before an election. For primaries, the registration deadline is five days prior.

When and where do I vote?

Regular elections take place every year on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November. Voting hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Darien has six polling places: District 1, Ox Ridge School; District 2, Town Hall; District 3, Holmes School; District 4, Hindley School; District 5, Darien High School; District 6, Darien Town Hall. Voters learn their polling place upon registration, or can find out online at the town Web site, darienct.gov.

Who can vote by absentee ballot?

Any registered voter who will be out of town during all voting hours may cast an absentee ballot. Voters prevented from getting to the polls due to illness, disability, or religious beliefs may also cast an absentee ballot.

How and where do I get an absentee ballot?

Applications for an absentee ballot are available from the town clerk’s office, the registrars of voters, or online at the town Web site. Ballots will be mailed after applications are received. Students should get an absentee ballot application before they go off to college.

Can a non-resident vote here?

A non-resident who owns property in Darien may vote in a referendum only, and only if he or she was included in the last published grand list. You must have a tax liability of at least $1,000.

Must I renew my voting privileges?

While you do not need to formally renew your voting privileges, you must participate in a voter canvass, conducted each year by the registrars to ensure the accuracy of the Voter Registry List. Each voter will receive a form that they must sign and return. Non-compliance will place you on the inactive list. You can get off the inactive list by filling out a restoration form. Remaining on the inactive list for four years will get you taken off the voting list. Should this happen, you will have to re-register.

The registrars post the names of people who are considered inactive on the town Web site, darienct.gov.

Can I lose the right to vote?

Anyone convicted of a felony loses the right to vote. A person may be reinstated as a voter after serving a sentence, completing parole, and/or paying a fine.

How do you join a political party? What’s the advantage?

A person may choose to join a political party when they register to vote or any time after that. They may also remain unaffiliated. A person who belongs to one political party may leave at any time to join another party. Membership in the new party becomes effective three months from the date of application.

Only enrolled members of a political party may participate in caucuses, conventions, and primaries of that party. Nearly all elected officials and appointed office holders belong to a political party.

What are our political parties and enrollments?

As of Jan. 30, 2008, there were 11,825 registered voters. Of that number there were 6,092 Republicans; 2,137 Democrats; and 3,596 unaffiliated.

What boards and commissions are appointed?

The following are all appointed: Advisory Commission on Information Technology, Affordable Housing Advisory Commission, Area Nine Cable Council, Architectural Review Board, Beautification Commission, Building Board of Appeals, Business Development Committee, Coastal Waters Advisory Commission, Charter Revision Commission,  Commission on Aging, Darien Housing Authority, Deer Management Committee, Environmental Protection Commission, Five Mile River Commission, Flood Mitigation Committe, High School Building Committee, Monuments and Ceremonies Commission, Operations Planning Committee, Park and Recreation Commission, Police Commission, Resource Conservation Advisory Commission, Sewer Commission, Social Service Commissioners, Tokeneke School Building Committee, Town and Police Pension Committees, Youth Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals.

How can I get involved in town government?

If you are affiliated with a party, get in touch with your town chairman: Republicans, Jack Orchulli, 656-1738; Democrats, John Davis, 356-1641.

Who is the town’s judge of probate?

The office of probate judge, an elected position with a four-year term, is currently held by Judge John Rearden. His office, in Room 204 of town hall, is open 8:30 to 4:30, Monday through Friday. The phone number is 656-7342.

The judge establishes the validity of wills and administers the estates of people who die without wills. He can also terminate parental rights, approve adoptions, act on a minor’s estate, approve guardians for handicapped people, and grant name changes.

Who is in charge of Darien’s coastline?

The nine-member Coastal Waters Advisory Commission oversees all town projects affecting Darien’s five harbors and 16.5 miles of coastline.

What does the harbor master do?

Harbor Master Robert P. Price oversees Darien’s harbors and coves, home to more than 300 light craft during the boating season, not including the large numbers of visiting sailboats and power boats. His office also handles applications for mooring spaces in Darien waters. Call 852-8842. The waiting list is posted on the bulletin board at town hall.

What does the Housing Authority do?

The Darien Housing Authority, in conjunction with the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, oversees the management of Darien’s two public housing projects. The Allen-O’Neill Homes is a moderate rental family housing project; Old Town Hall Houses is a low-income project for senior citizens. The Housing Authority also administers the waiting list for Clock Hill Homes on Leroy Avenue, a moderate-income condominium development.

The housing authority’s office is in Room B1 of town hall. For information, call 655-1078 or e-mail darienhousingit@yahoo.com. Hours are Monday through Friday from 10 to 4.

What is the Affordable Housing Advisory Commission?

Approved by the Board of Selectmen in August 2007, this commission advises the Board of Selectmen on developing an affordable housing plan for the town. The nine-member commission is charged with assessing housing needs, considering zoning issues, researching nonpofit and for-profit developers, and developing a plan that includes targets and a budget.

What does the building department do?

The building department oversees all building activity in Darien. It issues permits and makes inspections. From the building department you can obtain surveys and plot plans, permits issued by address, certificates of occupancy, certificates of compliance, construction plans for permits issued after 1960, and a list of current construction. Permit fees and details are on the town Web site, darienct.gov.

Charles A. Saverine is Darien’s building official. The department’s office, in Room 212 of town hall, is open from 8:30 to 4:30. Inspectors are in the office from 8:30 to 10, 1 to 2, and 4 to 4:30 to answer questions and take calls. Inspections are conducted from 10 to noon and 2 to 4 on weekdays. Call 656-7347, fax 656-7385.

What does the finance department do?

Darien’s finance department is responsible for accounts payable, payroll, pension administration, benefit administration, and debt measurement. The department also works with the town treasurer on cash management and investing town funds.

The department is headed by Kathleen Clarke Buch, the finance director. As chief fiscal officer in Darien, the finance director is responsible for accounting for all town funds as well as maintaining the financial records and preparing financial reports.

The department’s office, in Room 201 of town hall, is open 8:30 to 4:30. Ms. Clarke can be reached at 656-7334 or kbuch@darienct.gov.

What are the responsibilities of the planning and zoning department?

The planning and zoning department serves the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Environmental Protection Commission and the Architectural Review Board. The office, in Room 211 at town hall, is open 8:30 to 4:30. The phone number is 656-7351.

The office is staffed by Jeremy Ginsberg, director; David Keating, assistant director/zoning enforcement officer; Robert (Woody) Woodside, code compliance officer; Richard Jacobson, environmental protection officer; and Andrea M. Sangrey, manager, Community Development Services.

A zoning map of the town is on the town Web site, darienct.gov. Click on Town Services.

What are legal notices? Where can I read them?

Legal notices are notifications concerning meetings and actions of local commissions and boards. In addition, other important town government information such as proposed budgets, town ordinances and invitations to bid on projects or sell the town services appear in legal notices. They may be found in the town clerk’s office at town hall. Many are published in The Darien Times.

How do I know if a meeting is scheduled?

The Freedom of Information Act requires that all town commission and board meetings be public. The schedule for a board’s regular meetings must be filed each year with the town clerk. Special meetings may be called up to 24 hours in advance. Emergency meetings may be held without notice; however, the board must file its minutes - including the reason for the emergency - at the town clerk’s office within 72 hours of the meeting. Meetings are posted in the town clerk’s office, town hall.

The Times publishes a list of upcoming meetings known at press time.

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 can I do 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 house district are we in?

Darien is in the 141st Assembly District. Our state representative is John J. Ryan, Assistant Republican Leader. He can be reached at 32 Cherry Street, Darien, 655-7106. His number in Hartford is 800-842-1423. His Web page is housegop.ct.gov/members/Ryan.asp, and his e-mail address is John.Ryan@housegop.state.ct.us.

What state senatorial district are we in?

Darien is in two districts, the 25th and  27th.

Representing northern Darien in the 25th is Democrat Bob Duff, re-elected to a second term in November 2006. He is the Majority Whip. Write him at Legislative Office Building, Room 2400, Hartford, CT 06106-1591. Call 800-842-1420 or 860-240-0414. E-mail: Duff@senatedems.ct.gov. Web page: senatedems.ct.gov/duff.htm. Senator Duff schedules local office hours in Darien. Watch The Darien Times for details.

Representing southern Darien in the 27th district is Democrat Andrew McDonald, re-elected to a second term in November 2006. He is the Deputy Majority Leader. He can be reached at Legislative Office Building, Room 2500, Hartford, CT 06106-1591, 800-842-1420 or 203-348-7439. His Web page is senatedems.state.ct.us/McDonald.html. His e-mail address is McDonald@senatedems.state.ct.us.

Who is our U.S. representative?

Christopher Shays, a Republican, represents Darien in Congress. He has  offices at 10 Middle Street, 11th Floor, Bridgeport, CT 06604-4223; 579-5870 (Monday - Friday, 9 to 5); and Government Center, 888 Washington Blvd., Stamford, 06901-2927;357-8277 (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10 to 4). His staff has office hours in towns throughout his district. Check his Web site (below) for dates and locations.

In Washington, he is at 1126 Longworth, Washington, DC 20515; 202-225-5541, fax 202-225-9629; house.gov/shays/.

Who are Connecticut’s senators?

Senators Christopher Dodd and Joseph Lieberman represent Connecticut in our nation’s capital.

Senator Dodd, a Democrat, may be reached at 30 Lewis Street, Suite 101, Hartford, CT 06103, 800-334-5341, or 448 Russell Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510, 202-224-2823; Senator@dodd.senate.gov. Web site: dodd.senate.gov.

Senator Lieberman, an Independent Democrat, may be reached at 706 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510, 202-224-4041. His Hartford office is at One Constitution Plaza, 7th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103, 800-225-5605, fax: 860-549-8478; senator_lieberman@lieberman.senate.gov. Web site: lieberman.senate.gov.

How can I write the governor?

Governor M. Jodi Rell may be reached at State Capitol, 210 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, 06106, 860-566-4840, Governor.Rell@po.state.ct.us.

Where can I find out more about the state?

The State Register & Manual, known as the Blue Book, provides extensive information about Connecticut and its government. It is available free online at the Secretary of the State’s Web site at sots.state.ct.us.