The state spent about $250,000 for security upgrades at the governor's mansion in Hartford according to the Department of Administrative Services.
State Police requested the security upgrades at the residence during Governor Malloy's transition into office. A threat assesment was done around the time Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was shot in Arizona.
A new fence at the back of the property, along with cameras are just some of the upgrades at the 100 year old home on Prospect Avenue.
"This is all money that's been allocated by the legislature," Donald DeFronzo, DAS Commissioner, said. "There's no additional funding."
But the large price tag has gotten the attention of taxpayers.
"That's an awful lot of money to spend on the mansion," a Plainville resident, said.
Before the newest section of fence was installed along Terry Road, people would wander on to the property.
Local
When asked about the upgrades, Governor Malloy said that he made the decision a long time ago that security is up to the State Police.
"I follow their rules and I do what they tell me to do," Malloy said.
The last upgrades were done in 2004. DAS, which oversees the mansions operations, says the improvements are just as much for the public as they are for the governor.
"This is a 100 year old building," DeFronzo said. "While it's a residence for the governor it's also a historic site."
In all, $490,000 in improvements were made to the building over the last 18 months, he added.
