Manchester's New Public Safety Era Arriving July 1

MANCHESTER, CT — Saturday marks a new era in Manchester public safety.

That's the beginning of the new fiscal year and when the Eighth Utilities District will officially dissolve and merge with the town fire department.

After more than a year of discussions between officials of the two entities and following several public meetings outlining the proposed service model, Eighth District voters in February endorsed the move. The Manchester Board of Directors approved the merger agreement.

"July first marks a significant milestone in the history of Manchester," said Town Manager Steve Stephanou. "With this merger complete, the entire community will benefit from an enhanced public safety, health, and sewer maintenance service model."

As part of the merger agreement and the adopted fiscal year 2024 budget, all full-time Eighth District employees as well as part-time fire marshal staffers are joining the town roster on July 1.

The town has also hired several new firefighters to "ensure that all seven fire stations under the new unified Manchester Fire Department will be fully staffed with fire and paramedic coverage."

All stations are scheduled to be fully staffed by March 2024 after training.

"The most important job of local government is ensuring public safety and health," Mayor Jay Moran said. "With the unification of our two great fire departments and merging of sewer and administrative programs, the town is once again demonstrating a commitment to providing high quality services to our residents in the most efficient and effective manner."

Former Eighth Utilities residents will no longer need to pay two separate tax bills and will receive one single bill from the town of Manchester. All previous delinquencies can be paid at the tax collector's office.

Residents in the Eighth District who already receive a water bill will see a separate sewer charge on their next bill.

Residents in the Eighth District that are sewer-only accounts will begin receiving sewer bills quarterly after the July 1 merger. Impacted residents will receive a letter from the town with more information, officials said.

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For water or sewer service-related questions, billing questions, or emergencies please contact the Manchester Water and Sewer Department at 860-647-6050. For more information about the merger, water saving tips, how to check for leaks, or bill paying options, please visit our website at manchesterct.gov/water-sewer.

Questions regarding the newly unified Fire Department may be directed to the Town Fire Department at 860-647-3266.

Questions regarding tax collection may be directed to the Tax Office at 860-647-3018 / collector@manchesterct.gov