Coventry Fire District running out of money

By Kirsten Glavin
kglavin@abc6.com
@kirstenglavin
 
Out of money and running out of options. The cash strapped Coventry Fire District is looking at drastic measures that could have lasting consequences. 
"We can’t pay them,” said Frank Palin, Chairman of the Coventry Fire District.  He explained that not only will the department’s staff most likely not get paid this Friday, but they may not have jobs at all. 

"It is so late in the game, layoffs are absolutely mandatory,” said Palin. 

The district will meet Monday, August 31st, and needs 3 out of 5 board members to approve the layoffs.  Both the Coventry Professional Firefighters Union and the board say they want negotiations. 

"We want the negotiations to be in an open, public session, because it is the taxpayers who are paying the bill,” said Palin. 

David Gorman, President of the Union, said his members want the meeting privately held.  "We would never collectively bargain in a public session. It’s illegal, its against the law to do so,” said Gorman. 

In the event that the entire Coventry Fire Department is laid off in tomorrows meeting, ABC6 was told the community is left unprotected. Palin said in the meantime, other fire departments have come in and said they would help out temporarily, as best they can. 

Gorman argued that out of town coverage is not enough, and that Palin’s plan is not safe for the community.  "I don’t think Mr. Palin is prepared for anything. I can tell you that the union is prepared. We’re prepared to sit down, we’re prepared to negotiate, and we’re prepared to continue serving the community,” he said. 

John D’Onofrio, a board member who will be at Monday’s meeting, said laying off firefighters is not the answer.  "If these firefighters get laid off, we have to come up with money to pay for their unemployment, which we don’t have. It doesn’t save us any money by laying off firefighters, and it puts the district at risk for safety,” D’Onofrio said. 

(C) WLNE-TV 2015