NORWICH – In the next few months, the City of Norwich may need to fill at least five positions in various departments.

At the January meeting of the Finance and Personnel Committee, the potential for filling five positions within the codes, fire and public works departments was discussed.

Human Resources Director Deborah DeForest told the committee that firefighter Gary Cates would be retiring after 30 years of service. While the Common Council has the option to not hire any new personnel this year, the Fire Department has seen a decrease in the number of overtime hours, and the department’s budget is looking better than it has in several years. Additionally, due to contractual rules, if the city wishes to hire a replacement, that person must be hired within 90 days. The committee asked DeForest to begin recruiting for the position.