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Norwich council approves changes to Volunteer Firefighters Relief Fund; critics warn about taxes and conflicts
Summary
After a public hearing with broad volunteer support, Norwich City Council approved amendments to the Volunteer Firefighters Relief Fund, a change the city says will help recruit and retain volunteer firefighters while adding about 0.02 mills (about $3.26 for a median-valued home); one councilor abstained and a resident raised a conflict-of-interest concern.
Norwich City Council on Dec. 16, 2024 approved an ordinance amending sections 8-74 and 8-75 of article 4 of chapter 8 of the city code to revise benefits in the Volunteer Firefighters Relief Fund. The measure passed on roll call, 4 in favor, 1 against and 1 abstention.
Supporters — including former volunteer chief and relief-fund secretary Don Leary — told the council the changes will help recruit and retain volunteers and noted the cost to a median homeowner would be small. "Based on the data provided by the comptroller, increase in taxes for a median home assessed value will be 0.02 mils or $3.26," Leary said during the hearing, urging the council to adopt the ordinance so the city can "continue to maintain a…
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