COVENTRY — The council’s September 21 draft minutes record approval of a fire-service cost-recovery ordinance and fees. The votes are documented, but the records differ on who receives the first bill.
Both votes were 4–2: Hand, Gallagher, Larson and Thomas supported Resolutions 2026-12 and 2026-13; Wheaton and Blanchard opposed them. The minutes describe supporters seeking revenue beyond property taxes and Wheaton questioning insurance coverage and household costs.
The council packet’s fee schedule lists a standard nonhazardous vehicle-crash response at $650 for the first hour per apparatus and $325 for each additional hour, plus $1,250 per extrication incident. These are listed charges for particular services, not a statement that every emergency call generates the same bill.
The ordinance text prohibits delaying emergency response for billing reasons, provides hardship waivers and gives 30 days for written billing disputes. Exemptions include qualifying uninsured nonprofit institutions, requested mutual aid and most town-property responses.
Billing language is inconsistent: the packet calls for invoices to insurers, with direct billing if coverage is absent or not used. The draft minutes describe individuals receiving bills and seeking insurance payment. The final administrative procedure was not verified.
The ordinance takes effect 21 days after an adoption notice is published. That publication date was not verified; this report does not assert an operational start date.
Residents seeking the applicable policy, an itemized fee schedule or appeal instructions can start with Coventry Town Hall at 860-742-6324. The posted minutes are labeled unofficial; this report does not establish anyone’s individual liability or insurance coverage.