Norwalk Fire Department reports year-end underspend, notes vacancies

The Norwalk Fire Commission heard July 15 that the Fire Department closed the 2024–25 fiscal year with accounts under budget while several divisions operated with vacancies. Fire Chief (position title used in meeting) told the commission that the department finished the 2024–25 year and started 2025–26, and that “overall, we're at 90.4% for the year last year.” The department reported specific divisions with lower salary spending because of unfilled posts: the fire marshal division salaries were at 78.9% after more than six months with an acting fire marshal; part‑time salary accounts for that division were at about 57% because two of three funded part‑time positions were filled; and the mechanics division salary account was at 53% because the systems mechanic position remained vacant. The mayor and commissioners praised the fiscal results and asked for final, closed-year numbers. Commissioner Dixon requested a year‑end budget closing showing actuals for June 30; the chief agreed to provide that at the next meeting. The commission did not take additional budget actions during the meeting. Ending: Commissioners congratulated staff for staying under budget and reiterated the need to fill vacancies; the chief said a formal June 30 closing statement would be presented at the next meeting.