Controversial Poquonnock Bridge Fire District budget soon to be in voters’ hands
By Deborah Straszheim, The Day, New London, Conn. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
The proposed annual fire district tax rate in
Chappell will attend the annual meeting to find out what's going on, he said. He doesn't know yet how he will vote.
Fire district President
"As a taxpayer, I'm totally against this budget, but, unfortunately, I'm legally bound to do it," he said.
The head of the union,
Ackley and the union leadership have been feuding for a year over issues that have affected the department's finances and operations.
Taxpayers must set the coming year's budget at an annual meeting by the end of May. The date, time and place of the meeting have not been set.
Ackley said a lawyer will preside over the meeting, which last year turned into an ugly scene in which people yelled, swore and stormed out. This year, residents will vote the proposed budget up or down, then consider amended figures if needed, Ackley said.
District board member
The proposed district spending plan would meet the obligations of the disputed 10-year union contract if the fire district board loses its case.
The proposed spending plan would maintain cuts to the fire district that have been in place since last year.
"If they're on a medical call and come across an accident or a fire, now what? I've got to call mutual aid or go back to (the station) to get an engine? That shouldn't be," he said. "That should not be out on the road."
One firefighter and the fire marshal retired in the last year, but there will be no new hires.
Board member
"If the town people hoot and holler and there's no money for it, there's no money for it," he said.
Taxpayers last year authorized
Paige said the district didn't know last year whether it would have firefighters to assign to an engine due to its financial crisis.
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