Government Transparency

In 2010, The Sunshine Review, a 501 (c)3 non-profit, pro-transparency organization developed a ten-point transparency checklist to evaluate if government websites proactively and voluntarily disclose information to the public and the media.

https://ballotpedia.org/Transparency_checklist

The following is a list of their recommendations that should be on a Municipal Website and what the Town of Stonington has available.

Administrative

  • Elected Officials
    • To see who represents you in Stonington, Click Here.
    • To see who represents you in Hartford, Click Here.
    • To see who represents you in Washington, D.C. Click Here.
  • Administrative Officials
    • To see the Town's Administrative staff Click Here for the directory, then select the department link.
  • Boards & Commissions
    • For a full list of all Boards & Commissions Click Here for the directory, then select the link for the appropriate Board or Commission.
  • Minutes & Agendas
    • Minutes & Agendas can be found on the various Boards & Commissions pages. For a full listing of all current Minutes & Agendas Click Here.
    • Town Meeting minutes can be found on the Town Clerk's page or Click Here.
    • Lobbying
      • To view the lobbying agencies the Town supports Click Here.

Financial

  • Budgets
    • Current and past Budget information is available on the Finance Department page, or Click Here to view.
  • Audits
    • The Town of Stonington has an annual financial audit. The information is available on the Finance Department page or Click Here to view.
  • Taxes
    • Information on tax collection can be found on the Tax Collector's page, or Click Here to view.
    • Information on tax assessment, assessment appeals & the assessment process can be found on the Assessors Office page, or Click Here to view.
    • Additional information can be found on the Board of Finance page or Click Here to view.
  • Contracts
    • Information on bids & request for proposals can be found on the Finance Department page or Click Here to view.

Other

  • Public Records
    • The Town of Stonington Geographical Information System (GIS) mapping provides property owner information, assessment information and mapping of the Town. Links are on the home page or Click Here to view.
    • The Town Clerk Land Records Index search portal can be found on the Town Clerk's page, or Click Here to view.
  • Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
    • To review the FOIA request process Click Here.
    • To review the FOIA summary regarding meetings, minutes & agendas Click Here.
  • Special Acts & Ordinances can be found on the home page or Click Here to view.
  • Permits & Zoning
    • Building info can be found on the Building Department page or Click Here.
    • Planning & Zoning Info can be found on the Department of Planning page or Click Here

State of Connecticut

  • Click Here to view the State of Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission site.
  • Click Here to view the Connecticut State Library site.
  • Click Here to view the State of Connecticut Transparency site.