CT SB00490

Expands the Connecticut Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations from 16 to 17 members by adding a representative of the Connecticut Alliance of Regional Educational Service Centers and requires the commission to annually develop priorities for the regional performance incentive program.

Allows school districts to develop school transportation services plans to maximize efficiencies and cost savings, and requires the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management to adopt regulations by July 1, 2019 governing municipal consolidation and merger processes.

Extends small town economic assistance and Main Street Investment Fund grants to regional councils of governments in addition to individual municipalities, and increases funding eligibility for participating regions.

Modifies fire marshal appointment procedures to require consultation with the chief executive officer of towns and cities, and expands the resident state police pilot program from a single officer to multiple officers serving two or more towns.

Strengthens requirements for municipal and school board cooperation on joint purchasing of insurance, shared payroll and accounting software systems, and equipment acquisitions through regional educational service centers and councils of governments.