Southbury has a traditional New England town meeting form of government and functions under a Town Charter, revised in 1997. The executive authority rests in a six-member Board of Selectmen, with financial control shared with a Board of Finance. Numerous boards and commissions are made up of volunteers, some of whom are elected while others are appointed. These commissions determine town policy in areas of planning, zoning, inland wetlands, economic development, conservation and parks and recreation.

The tax rate is based on 70 percent of the assessed value of the property. The mil rate for 1996-97 was 17.5 and for 1997-98 the mil rate was 18.3. In 1998-99, the mil rate was 21.5; the 1999-2000 rate was 23.2. The mil rate for 2001-02 is 24.5. Revenue garnered from taxes on real estate, motor vehicles and personal property funds town government and approximately two-thirds of the Regional School District #15 budget.

The Region 15 school district includes the towns of Southbury and Middlebury. There are two elementary schools, two middle schools and a regional high school.

Southbury has a modern and well-equipped Volunteer Fire Department. The Southbury Police Department operates under a Resident State Trooper Program directly responsible to the Connecticut State Police.

Southbury offers a wide choice of medical and dental services, including many internists and specialists. The Southbury Volunteer Ambulance Association operates 24 hours a day. Hospitals are located in nearby Waterbury, Danbury and Derby.

On more than 1,000 acres lies Heritage Village, a residential community designed for those over the age of 55, or one member of a couple over the age of 55. More than 4,000 residents live in the Village.

The town has two life care centers, offering living arrangements and full medical care for their elderly residents. The two are Pomperaug Woods and East Hill Woods. Kensington Green, an assisted living facility, opened in spring 2001.

Also providing services for the elderly, infirm or those convalescing are the Lutheran Home of Southbury and Mediplex of Southbury.