Latest on the Central Coventry Fire District Includes Threat by Governor’s Lawyers to Personally Sue Fire Board For Standing Up For Democracy

At the height of election fever, let’s not lose track of the latest developments in the disturbing situation involving the Central Coventry Fire District.

The following report, on “Central Coventry Citizens Taskforce for Fire Protection” letterhead and inclusive of two contact names and phone numbers, was sent out via e-mail this afternoon. It appears that at the meeting Monday night and in other venues, Governor Chafee has had no compunction in carrying out the almost certainly unconstitutional order of the General Assembly to the taxpayers of the Central Coventry Fire District – an order that could well come to every fire district in the state: No voting. Just shut up and pay.

Receiver Imposes Tax Rate and Budget Without Taxpayer Approval

Fire Board Members Threatened with Personal Liability for Legal costs if They Object

On Monday evening a meeting of taxpayers for the Central Coventry Fire District was held at the Coventry High School. Governor Chafee attended with his receiver Stephen Hartford, and Rosemary Galloogly, Director of the RI Dept of Revenue, along with approximately 400-500 residents. The meeting included a presentation of the financial condition of the Fire District.

It was revealed that although the union continues to resist change, the district is now working with 32 firefighters. No payments towards accumulated debt have been made, including the $300,000 loaned from the Town. The total debt amounts to $3.3 million, which will be retired over a 5 year period. There are no plans for one time assessments.

There is $1.4 million in cash on hand for the quarter that began September 1st. That amount is so large because of the extraordinary amount collected in the past year through vigorous tax sales. Unfortunately, this one time infusion of money is only enough to fund operations until November 1st. As a result, the receiver unilaterally imposed a budget and new tax rate on the District’s property owners.

The new tax rate will rise to $2.74 per thousand from the current $2.50 per thousand, with a total budget of $5.9 million.

David D’Agostino, lawyer for the new Fire Board stated that the Fire Board wanted on the record that they believed that only the people of the District had the authority to set a budget and tax rate. However, no vote was permitted.

The Fire Board went to Superior Court on Tuesday to argue for an injunction against what the Board considers to be unlawful taxation. They contend that the people of the District are the only appropriating authority. The Governor and the Receiver sent a legal team, as well.

The Governor’s lawyers threatened in court to sue the Fire Board members personally for all costs associated with arguing the case. This would include lawyer fees and court costs that have the potential of reaching tens of thousands of dollars, if not more. They cited the new bill passed in the last legislative session districts at the urging of the firefighters union that extended the Fiscal Stability Act to fire districts. Included in that bill is language that makes objectors to the receiver’s actions liable for costs associated with any legal proceedings.

“This section dealing with attorney’s fees was included in the law to thwart any attempt by citizens to challenge the union’s power grabs through the actions of the receiver. We feel that this is a perversion of the rights and wishes of the taxpayers in CCFD,” stated Fred Gralinski, chairman of the Fire Board. “Unfortunately, none of us are able to assume the financial liabilities that would be necessary to fight this battle. Therefore, we must live with this illegitimate taxation.”

“We are very troubled that the Governor and his appointees have not resolved this issue. The firefighters’ union has had 2 years to come up with a plan. They have resisted and the General Assembly, lead by the efforts of our own local Representatives Guthrie and Tomasso, have given them life line after life line. They have passed three bills to ignore the wishes of the People and this action is the poisonous fruit of that legislation, ” he continued.

“The union is just running out the clock, hoping the next Governor will preserve their overly generous wages and benefits. But that is not what the people of this District have been asking for. The auditorium was full of people who want affordable fire and safety protection. They were there to vote. They were denied their right,” said Gralinski.

“We have prepared a well crafted plan that will provide better services for $4 million. And yet the Governor insists on charging us $6 million. Does that make sense to anyone?” he questioned.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in The Ocean State Current, including text, graphics, images, and information are solely those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect the views and opinions of The Current, the RI Center for Freedom & Prosperity, or its members or staff. The Current cannot be held responsible for information posted or provided by third-party sources. Readers are encouraged to fact check any information on this web site with other sources.

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