(Editor’s note: The following letter is in response to one earlier today from the wife of a Westport firefighter who, in turn, was responding to a letter from Board of Finance members.)
To the Editor:
The Town of Westport respects the important and challenging role that its firefighters play in keeping our citizens safe.
Unfortunately, in the face of recent, unprecedented increases in pension and retiree health insurance costs in recent years, the town had to ask the fire union to consider adjustments to several pension provisions that appear to go beyond what is typically found in a municipal fire pension.
At the same time, the fire union also sought enhancements to its pension. After months of negotiations, the town and fire union were unable to reach agreement.
Under Connecticut law, these issues are now in the hands of a state binding interest arbitration panel. At this point in the legal process the town is limited in its ability to respond to specific aspects of the negotiations.
We can state, however, that the provision referenced in the WestportNow letter is just one of many the town has asked the arbitration panel to review.
The town remains committed to continue to provide excellent pension and retiree health benefits to our first responders and their families, while at the same time being responsible stewards of taxpayers’ dollars.
Sincerely,
Ralph M. Chetcuti
Personnel/Human Resources Director
Town of Westport
