NORWICH – According to city officials, there is a source of untapped revenue that could help Norwich offset the cost of emergency services.

Although no actions have been taken so far, Fire and Police Chief Joseph Angelino approached both the Public Safety/Public Works Committee and the Finance/Personnel Committee about hiring a private company to bill insurance companies for costs incurred when responding to a motor vehicle accident.

Similar to the system the city currently uses to recoup funds for ambulance transports, Angelino has been examining a system that many municipalities are currently adopting. “In situations where the fire department has to perform rescue mitigation and stabilization, this is a way to recoup the money expended for those resources,” Angelino explained during a later conversation.

The chief explained that the insurance billing system would not be used for every accident. Fees would not be assessed for fender-benders and minor accidents, however in the case of a major calamity, the city could be able to obtain a portion of the funds expended.

Since investigation into the plan is still in the early stages, the specifics have not yet been determined. Mayor Joseph Maiurano explained that the system would work to obtain dollars set aside by the insurance companies to pay for costs incurred during an accident. “It’s part of the service that the insurance is billing you for,” Maiurano said.