WPRO News and the Associated Press
COVENTRY, R.I. (AP) – The Coventry Fire District is planning to hold a meeting this week to discuss cost-cutting measures amid its financial troubles.
Frank Palin, chairman of the district’s volunteer board of directors, tells The Providence Journal that the board is scheduled to meet Tuesday to talk about layoffs and darkened streetlights as ways to save money.
The district was unable to fully make its scheduled payroll on Friday, and still has several unpaid bills.
In June, residents voted to dissolve the district rather than pay more taxes. Palin says that he is preparing a request for a meeting with the governor to ask for financial assistance.
The board is also negotiating a short-term concessions deal with a labor union that would give the district enough money to get by.
