NORWICH – City officials explained last week that converting the third floor of the firehouse into City Hall offices should cost considerably less than previous estimates indicated.

Last week, the city held a special meeting of the Common Council to discuss the possibility of moving city offices from the old train depot to the fire house, an idea that has been in the works for several years. During an interview following the meeting, Mayor Joseph Maiurano said he encourages city residents to call or e-mail questions or concerns. “We’re trying to do what’s best for the city, and we want to have the whole community involved,” Maiurano said.

The proposed move was suggested as a way to consolidate the city from the inside. “Consolidation begins at home. We have control over what we can do, and we must show that we are moving in this direction, and doing everything in our control. From there, we hope to generate more consolidation,” Maiurano said.

In addition, the mayor said he hopes the move would make the city more efficient, by providing more efficient office operations.