More than $1.7 million in reimbursements are coming to over a dozen Connecticut police departments that paid up front for body cameras and other equipment.
After months of delays due to the state's budget crisis, the money was approved at a bond commission meeting on Wednesday.
“Almost $33,000.00 so you know, it's money that we can use here in the town of Wolcott. So, I was very happy to hear we're finally getting paid," Wolcott Police Chief Edward Stephens said.
Wolcott upgraded its department's body cameras and equipment in 2016 after the state launched the federal program to reimburse towns for 100-percent of the costs of the equipment.
New Haven tops the list with a $790,421 payment followed by Milford and Wilton.
Chief Stephens is appreciative.
"Definitely a win for taxpayers. This is money Wolcott and all other towns we had to put out 100-percent of the money to buy these body cameras and storage units that go with it. So, we fronted the money and then after this last budget with the state who knows where the towns are going to be. So any nickel or dime we can help save the taxpayers we would like to do, and we're now able to do and it'll come back into town for use,” he said.
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It is unclear when the checks will be cut. NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters have reached out to the state's Office of Policy and Management but have not yet heard back.
