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Norwalk fire budget under 50% at midyear; Station 3 rent to rise to $56,990
Summary
Assistant Chief Conte reported the department is at 46.7% of budget year spending after six months and said Station 3 rent will increase to $56,990 beginning in July.
Assistant Chief Conte reported to the Norwalk Board of Fire Commissioners on Jan. 21 that the department’s combined accounts are at 46.7% of budgeted expenditures six months into the fiscal year, under the expected 50% midpoint.
Conte said the firefighting salary account — the department’s largest — is at 43.6% and overtime is at 47%, and summarized that “we’re looking good” for the midyear position. He also told the board the third taxing district has notified the city that rent for Station 3 will increase beginning in July to $56,990, up about $1,660 from the current amount. Conte said the department had budgeted $56,889 for the station lease, a difference of $101; Conte also remarked, “We’re $1 short.”
The mayor asked whether a written lease exists for Station 3; Assistant Chief Conti said a full agreement is on file and offered to circulate it. The mayor asked staff to check with the law department to ensure the lease and terms are in order.
Conte also summarized a 2024 sick-leave analysis prepared by Chief Kati that the board did not receive in the packet; the report breaks out long-term injury, family sick leave, injury-on-duty and light-duty categories and shows a net decline of 18 occurrences when comparing 2023 with 2024. Conte said the department will include a sick-leave report in future monthly packets.
Why it matters: midyear budget positions can affect overtime and staffing decisions for the second half of the fiscal year, and a change in the Station 3 rent alters a recurring operating cost that the board said it wants confirmed in writing.
Clarifying details: the Station 3 rent increase was described in the meeting as an increase to $56,990 (from about $55,030); the department had budgeted $56,889. The sick-leave report will be provided monthly going forward, according to Conte.
Speakers: Assistant Chief Conte (budget report); Assistant Chief Conti (lease agreement confirmation); Chief Kati (author of sick-leave report); Mayor (asked about contract).
