State to Poquonnock Bridge: Bankruptcy Not an Option

Board members of the Poquonnock Bridge Fire District met with state officials Monday seeking advice on a potential bankruptcy and its labor dispute but the state decided not to get involved. 

According to a report in The Day,  the district would have to get approval from the governor to file bankruptcy and the governor’s office said that was not a precedent they wanted to set. So board members were advised to seek assistance from the state's Municipal Finance Advisory Commission, which helps municipalities and fire districts avoid insolvency. 

Board members also wanted to talk about a labor decision that ordered it to honor a 10-year contract with firefighters, which calls for 3 percent raises, among other benefits. The board has the option to dispute the decision but paperwork must be filed by the end of the month. 

Members have said that Poquonnock Bridge Fire District could run out of money in January or sooner. The district covers 12 square miles and includes many of the town’s municipal buildings. 

There will be a special meeting Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Groton Senior Center to discuss the budget. 

Click here to read the full report in The Day.