Tomasso Resolution Calls for Fire District Merger Study in Coventry

No decision should be made in haste, which is why Rep. Lisa P. Tomasso (D-Dist. 29, Coventry, West Greenwich) is hoping that a special joint legislative commission can shed light on the benefits and downfalls of a potential merge among Coventry’s fire districts.

The representative has introduced a resolution (2013-H 6193) that allows for a 17-member commission to create a comprehensive study of Coventry’s fire districts and make recommendations for the establishment of one independent or municipal fire district. This would include, but is not limited to, establishing one tax rate and hiring one fire chief.

"Coventry homeowners have questioned the cost and efficiency of operating multiple fire and lighting districts within one town for many years,” Representative Tomasso said. “Given the recent challenges our families, business owners and the districts themselves, we cannot wait. Now is the time for our community to fully explore the potential of a municipal or single fire and lighting district for its taxpayers.”

The resolution asks the commission to report its findings and results to the General Assembly on or before Jan. 2, 2014. Membership of the commission would include six members of the House who represent Coventry; two members of the Senate representing Coventry; the fire chiefs of the current fire districts, or a designee; the Coventry town manager, or a designee; two members of the Coventry Town Council, appointed by the council president; a representative of a Coventry firefighters union, appointed by the president of the Senate; and a volunteer or call fireman, appointed by the speaker of the House.

Co-sponsors of the joint resolution include Representatives Scott J. Guthrie (D-Dist. 28,Coventry), Patricia A. Serpa (D-Dist. 27, West Warwick, Coventry, Warwick), Michael W. Chippendale (R-Dist. 40, Foster, Coventry, Glocester), Jared R. Nunes (D-Dist. 25, Coventry, West Warwick), and Patricia L. Morgan (R-Dist. 26, West Warwick, Coventry, Warwick).