Norwalk to send full structure fire assignments to Rowayton; mayor seeks meeting on taxing‑district funding

Norwalk fire officials said they will expand the department’s standard response to send a full structure fire assignment to any fire in Rowayton, a change intended to supplement the Rowayton Volunteer Fire Department.

"After a recent fire on Cudliff Street, it was decided that we will send a full structure fire assignment to all fires in Rowayton," Assistant Chief Christopher McCabe told the Board of Fire Commissioners. He said the change is intended to bolster Rowayton Volunteer Fire Department resources on structure fires.

Mayor Harry Rilling raised the funding question: he reminded commissioners that the 6th Taxing District does not currently pay for fire service and said that, "if we're going to start responding, then in all fairness to the other districts, we're gonna have to start making adjustments to that as well, to our tax base." Rilling asked Chief Gatto to arrange a meeting with corporation counsel and the taxing district’s commissioners; Chief Gatto responded, "I'll reach out to Tom tomorrow."

Commissioners said the 6th Taxing District has been made aware and appeared receptive to discussion, but no formal budget or tax adjustments were approved at the meeting. The exchange was recorded as direction to staff to convene discussions with counsel and the district rather than as a vote.

Ending: The department will schedule the requested meeting with corporation counsel and 6th Taxing District representatives to discuss funding options and report back to the commission.