Local youth participating in the City of Norwich Youth Bureau bowling program. The Town of Plymouth has decided to renew their contract with the organization, allowing town residents to participate in programming for free, along with residents of the City of Norwich and the Towns of North Norwich, Pharsalia, and Preston. (Photo from the City of Norwich Youth Bureau Facebook page)

PLYMOUTH — The Town of Plymouth has opted to renew its contract with the City of Norwich Youth Bureau, allowing town residents to participate in Youth Bureau programming for free.

Municipalities in contract with the City of Norwich Youth Bureau reimburse the organization based on participation levels. In turn, residents of contracted towns can participate in programs free of charge. These municipalities include the City of Norwich and the Towns of Norwich, North Norwich, Pharsalia, Preston, and now Plymouth.

Although the Youth Bureau has said in the past that they will charge non-residents to participate in programs, City of Norwich Youth Bureau Director Anthony Testani said in his time as director they have never actually enforced any fees.

"I have never charged for a non-resident to participate in our programs, but those numbers have typically been low, like ten to 15 kids. But now with the town of Plymouth, they had 57 kids in our program last year. That’s just a cost I don’t think the city can absorb," he said.