Bridgeport City Treasurer - Bridgeport, CT

Role and Responsibilities

The Bridgeport City Treasurer is an independently elected official responsible for the custody, investment, and disbursement of all city funds. Located within Bridgeport City Hall at 45 Lyon Terrace, the Treasurer acts effectively as the city's banker. This office manages the city's banking relationships, oversees cash flow, and administers the funding for municipal bonds and employee pension systems. It is a distinct entity from the Department of Finance, which handles budgeting and accounting, serving instead as a fiduciary check and balance to ensure the safety and liquidity of public assets. The Treasurer's signature appears on city checks, and the office is responsible for reconciling bank statements for the city's various operating and capital accounts.

Treasurer vs. Tax Collector

It is a common misconception for residents to confuse the Treasurer with the Tax Collector. The City Treasurer DOES NOT accept tax payments. Residents looking to pay property taxes, motor vehicle taxes, or sewer use fees must visit the Tax Collector's Office, which is also located on the first floor of City Hall. Visiting the Treasurer's office for these matters will result in being redirected down the hall. The Treasurer's office is primarily administrative and interacts more with financial institutions, investment firms, and city departments than with the general public on a daily basis.

Location and Security

The office is housed in the historic City Hall building, an impressive Art Deco structure located at 45 Lyon Terrace. As the seat of city government, security measures are enforced at the public entrance. All visitors must pass through security screening, including metal detectors and bag inspections administered by the Bridgeport Police. Valid government-issued photo identification is generally required for entry. Weapons are strictly prohibited. The building is wheelchair accessible, with a ramp located at the main entrance and elevators serving all floors.

Transit and Parking

City Hall is centrally located in downtown Bridgeport, making it highly accessible. It is a short walk from the Bridgeport Transportation Center, which serves Metro-North, Amtrak, and the GBT bus hub. Several Greater Bridgeport Transit (GBT) bus routes, including Routes 3, 4, and 6, stop nearby on Main Street or Golden Hill Street. For those driving, limited metered street parking is available on Lyon Terrace and Golden Hill Street. Visitors should be mindful of parking time limits, as enforcement is strict in the downtown area.

• Not for Taxes: Go to the Tax Collector (Room 104) to pay bills.
• Elected Official: The Treasurer is elected by the voters of Bridgeport.
• City Hall: Located in the historic Lyon Terrace building.
• Security: Be prepared for bag checks upon entry.