Coventry Spending That Increases Fire District Deficit Is Irresponsible, Says Morgan

STATE HOUSE, APR 9 – A for a few more weeks is “absolutely irresponsible” says State Rep. Patricia Morgan (R-Coventry, West Warwick, Warwick).

The Coventry Town Council will be asked tonight to “loan” the soon-in-liquidation Central Coventry Fire District $300,000 to maintain operations for a few weeks, until some other solution is found to provide residents with fire and emergency services on a permanent basis.

The Court overseeing the liquidation of the Fire District must approve such a plan, however.

“We have offers in hand from well-established private ambulance companies that tell us we can base two fully-staffed ambulances in Coventry, 24/7, for $250,000 for a six-month period.

“That leaves something on the order of $900,000 available to contract for fire services, which are typically just 20% of all fire and emergency calls.

“Given this, it is hardly a responsible decision to opt to spend $300,000 just to keep an already-failed fire district up and running for a few short weeks without major changes in its cost structure," Morgan continued.

“The last thing Coventry taxpayers need is for the Town Council or anyone to add to the mountain of debt the fire district has incurred. Creditors are already likely underwater, and this is going to make matters worse. It simply makes no sense."

Morgan has filed legislation, House Bill 5958, that would permit the Town of Coventry to collect some $1.2 million in unbilled fire taxes, and contract for fire and emergency services. This amount is based on the current tax levy of $1.82.

“It is a step forward to get the Town involved in solving this problem, said Morgan, “but let’s not perpetuate the silly spending that drove the Fire District into liquidation in the first place.

“Three of the four Coventry fire districts are among the 11 most expensive fire districts in the state. What’s in the water there that makes fighting fire or providing emergency services more expensive than elsewhere?” she asked.