Fire chief says Norwalk Fire Department expects to close FY2026 within budget despite retroactive contract costs

The fire chief reported on June 16 that the Norwalk Fire Department expects to close fiscal year 2026 within its overall budget despite absorbing more than $536,000 in retroactive contract payments earlier in the year and associated wage increases.

According to the chief, through the end of May total department expenditures were about $495,000 below budget and the overtime account is projected to finish roughly $183,000 below budget. Those savings, the chief said, are expected to offset the increased salary costs, which are projected to finish about $47,000 over budget after the retroactive payments and wage increases were applied.

The chief told commissioners the department developed the budget before the current union contract was settled and that the city absorbed retroactive payments and wage increases within this fiscal year. "As a result, the salary account is projected to finish about $47,000 over," the chief said, adding he expects other department accounts to continue performing well and to offset that deficit.

When asked about timing, a commissioner confirmed the fiscal year closes June 30 and the new fiscal year begins July 1; the chief said he will provide the commission with final year-end figures once the fiscal year is closed and invited questions at the next meeting.

The commission approved the meeting minutes earlier in the session and heard additional department reports on apparatus, inspections and summer preparedness.