Old Lyme — The Board of Selectmen on Monday approved a change in benefits for the town's first responders, part of an ongoing initiative to find ways to “recruit and retain” volunteers.

The selectmen said the change will allow all volunteers, not just those who own property, to fully take advantage of benefits.

Under the new policy that would go into effect for the 2016-17 fiscal year, current members of the Old Lyme Fire Department and Old Lyme Ambulance Association could choose to contribute their tax-abatement benefit toward their pension plan, or keep their current system. 

Currently, members who qualify for benefits after attaining a certain level receive an approximately $800 contribution into their pension plan and a $1,000 tax abatement, the selectmen said.

New members, who join the departments after Dec. 31, would not be able to choose the tax abatement option, according to a presentation on the policy.

The selectmen will next share the recommendation with the Board of Finance.

During the discussion, First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder said tax abatement is beneficial to volunteers who own property.

But some volunteers, particularly those who rent apartments or live with their parents, could not fully use the benefit, so it wasn't always equitable, she said.

New rules also say the tax abatement is subject to taxes, and therefore requires processing through the town, Reemsnyder said.

The selectmen said many communities are moving away from offering tax abatement benefits.

Reemsnyder said a committee, formed several years ago to study incentives, has recommended improvements in benefits for first responders, including raising the pension contribution, that the town since has approved.

Selectman Arthur “Skip” E. Sibley Jr. said the incentive committee has been trying to “come up with ways to recruit and retain members."

He noted the demands placed on members of the ambulance and fire departments with the I-95 corridor running through town. 

Sibley said the committee is aiming to find a way to be fair to all volunteers, not just the property owners.

The ambulance department has volunteers and some paid members, while the fire department is all volunteer, he said.

Reemsnyder said the community depends on first responders who consistently respond to emergencies. 

"It's very important that the community offer something as a thank you for that volunteerism," she said. "$1,800 a year in a retirement account is a small amount to pay for what we benefit from our first responders."

k.drelich@theday.com

Twitter: @KimberlyDrelich