Burning Question Of The Week: Does Groton’s Fire District System Need An Overhaul?

Residents of the Poquonnock Bridge Fire District, a decision that could mean changes in the tax rate and the fire district itself.

Board Member Nancy Beckwith said taxes are driving this issue.

 “The mill rate here is the highest in the town," she said. "It’s becoming very difficult to control because of the salaries.”

Groton that provide fire protection to the residents of the districts, and the taxes of each vary.

Poquonnock Bridge, a career fire department, charges a tax rate of 5.9 mills to residents, the highest rate of the nine.

Newly-Elected Board Member Alan Ackley said this discrepancy should not continue. There’s also been talk of having the town take over fire services for Poquonnock Bridge.

But the independent fire districts have to agree to this first and ask for it. The town does not have authority to step in to Poquonnock Bridge or any other fire district and do this without their consent.

What do you think?  

Should the fire district system be changed or left alone?