NORWICH – After months of debating what avenue to take, Town of Norwich officials have decided to stop using the Chenango County Codes Enforcement Department and hire their own officer.

Norwich resident Charles “Chuck” Green was appointed and sworn in at Monday night’s town meeting to take over as the Town of Norwich Building Code Enforcement Officer. He was hired on a part-time basis at a pay rate of $20 per hour beginning June 1.

Supervisor David Law said the town will be able to offer residents a quicker turn-around time for getting permits signed. “Green has extensive experience in code enforcement as he was the city codes inspector for many years,” the supervisor said.

During pubic comment Monday, county Code Enforcement Officer and Town of Norwich resident Steve Fox addressed the board with questions of his own. “This has nothing to with me working for the county, this has to do with me being a concerned taxpayer,” he said.

The resident asked how the town would benefit from adding its own code officer and if there would be any increase in taxes because of it.