Date: Fri 25-Oct-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

selectmen-emergency-volunteers

Full Text:

Selectmen Waive Pool And Dump Fees For Emergency Volunteers

The Board of Selectmen passed a resolution Monday that waives pool and dump

pass fees for Newtown's volunteer firefighters and ambulance personnel.

First Selectman Bob Cascella had proposed the idea earlier this month in an

effort reward the volunteers for their work and to show them how much the town

appreciates what they do.

"It's a small price to pay for the type of service we get," he said.

Selectman Gary Fetzer pointed out it takes a special breed of person to

volunteer, especially in today's world where people's lives seem busier than

ever.

"The key point is it's a beginning gesture. We all want to do something extra

for them," he said.

Mr Fetzer said he would be willing to take a closer look at some kind of a

pension plan down the road for volunteer emergency workers with a certain

number of years of service.

Mr Fetzer's only concerns in waiving the pool and dump fees were that not all

members use the park and/or dump.

However, Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps chief Steve Rambone said the key is

for the town to offer something. Even if it's just a symbolic gesture, he

sends, it still sends a message.

The selectmen agreed that each individual organization would be responsible

for establishing the criteria for free-pass eligibility.

In the past, Newtown has discussed the possibility of offering the volunteers

a small relief on their property tax, but, under state law, relief is not

allowed.