Hartford, Conn.’s city council yesterday approved a proposal to seek state oversight in exchange for tens of millions of dollars in additional assistance that the city will need to balance its budget, the Hartford Courant reported. The council approved a request from Mayor Luke Bronin to apply for state monitoring. If accepted by the state, Hartford will be watched by an 11-member panel and must report its budgets, contracts and other transactions to the group. Several council members had expressed steadfast opposition to the oversight, saying that it undermined the power of local government. Last year, the group rejected a different plan that would have involved some state intervention in city financial dealings. But in recent months, as Hartford’s outlook worsened and the threat of bankruptcy grew, they have softened on the issue, pointing to oversight as the city’s last hope to avoid insolvency. The oversight board will have the power to reject — up to two times — each new labor contract and arbitration award. It also must approve any new debt issued by the city.
