COVENTRY, R.I. (AP) — Officials say the crisis surrounding Rhode Island’s financially-beleaguered Coventry Fire District has reached its end for the time being.
WPRI-TV reports that firefighters and the district’s board have agreed to a new three-year contract that will keep the fire district open while continuing to curb expenses.
Board Chairman Frank Palin says “both sides can claim victory” with the agreement.
Officials say nine full-time firefighters will remain on staff. The contract adjusts health insurance deductibles, implements a Health Savings Account and eliminates vacation carry-over.
Palin says the contract reduces total personnel costs by $900,000.
The firefighters have agreed to drop all pending lawsuits, while the board will no longer entertain the idea of employing a private ambulance service or part-time firefighters.
The new deal takes effect on Jan. 1.
