(Frank Speziale Photo)

NORWICH – A proposed cost increase is the sticking point of back-and-forth negotiations for fire protection services between the City and Town of Norwich.

Representatives of the City and the Town of Norwich say they hope to strike a three to five year deal for fire protection soon, effectively ending a series of one-year contracts which have been renewed every year since 2017.

The hangup, they say, is the city’s suggested 4 percent cost increase in the contract to be spread over a three-year duration: 1.5 percent the first year, 1.5 percent the second year, and 1 percent the third year. But officials at the Town of Norwich are reluctant, arguing against any substantial increase to their current payment.

Talks of a five-year option are also being considered.

“Were hoping for a contract as soon as possible,” said Norwich Town Supervisor David Evans. “We’re still in negotiations; I feel that we’re very close, but we just want what’s best for the town taxpayers.”

The town footed a $653,000 bill for fire protection in 2018. It forked out the same in 2017, after a multi-year contract expired the year prior. But the town’s latest contract expired in January. Since then, the city’s provided fire services without payment.