Now we're getting somewhere.

Why not go back to having volunteers as well like we used to have? Worked fine for years until they decided to replace them with full time employees that the department can't afford.

One issue that was not addressed is the assessed value of our homes. For example CCFD assessed my property at $335,000 when the actual value is $250,000 of a difference of $85,000 or $154.70 more tax than I should be paying. Now I have no problem paying a fair tax but this is and has been an issue that we were never able to challenged with CCFD. The question now with the town taking over collection will we be able to challenge the current assessment?

I'm not suggesting that I would have voted to reject the budget, because I for one am not willing to live without the professional Fire and Rescue services that CCFD provides. However, it is disturbing that that the vote that did take place is being discounted for "another bite at the apple". What has democracy come too, keep holding vote till you get the outcome you want??

It will be even more disturbing if Mr. Land comes back with essentially the same budget that was already rejected.

And anyone that wants to trash the rank and file CCFD employees, think of how stressful this must be for them and their families!!! It is the leadership that failed here!

02816, i would agree with you that the vote should be final. however, they brought up some very good points in court. obviously discrepancies in the vote. with something as big as that last vote, they should have had the board of canvassers do it to begin with. i voted no last time but will be voting yes this time. board is gone. union conceded more. chief found savings. i think everyone's ego got reset on that last vote. the taxpayers are in control and they should not forget that anytime soon.

I suggest you call Chief Baynes and ask him why she is needed. I'm sure he could validate it. My apologies on ? of the tax error. I just wish this would end so I know I will have the appropriate Fire and Ems coverage when needed.

Judge Stern you should be ashamed of yourself. The people voted and you simply brushed it aside to allow the same people to go out and bus in more non-tax paying voters to try to get a different result. If the vote comes in as yes can the no voters get another bite at the apple? What a joke - no current board member should be allowed to rerun after stepping down!

The two new board members were elected through John Assholone are you really that stupid??? And the next board to be elected will be through "Prince Farquaad" Assalone. Are you that naïve???????? You must not have been at the Court !!

Realistic voter, I think you must have me mistaken with the person in your mirror. I know the people who were voted in. They were at the meetings along side me and a few others who wanted to stop the bleeding. If you were at the meetings you would know this. If you were at the meetings and don't know this, then you are really that stupid! You are right, I was not at the court house. Unfortunately, I had to work. Hopefully, the next board will be elected by the taxpayers for the taxpayers and NOT by the stacked group provided by the firefighters in order to get who THEY want on the board. We need honest representation so we don't end up like this again. We don't need angry people like you who can't get through your thick head that all Assalone did was bring to the public what was going on and it is because of him getting the word out that we can stop it now and fix the future!

mad hatter, sometimes when the revaluations take place individual taxes do go down, depending on the tax rate set. My taxes have gone down in the past, they call this an equalization process, some taxes go down, some go up and some stay about the same. My fire taxes would not have increased with the new evaluations, unless they raised the tax rate to more than $2.40 from the old rate of $1.82, they always adjust the tax rate after an evaluation, if properties generally increase in value, they lower it and if they decrease in value they raise it.

Just Me accept this.... Yes, originally it was an error was collector's office. Get over it. Once it was brought to the attention to the chief and the board they should have had an emergency meeting to figure out where to cut. They did not, they spent money they knew they couldn't collect and continued to do that the next year. Get over the whole error in the collector's office and realize that once it was brought out it was now the responsibility of the board and ex-chief. I agree about how the vote should be taken to make it fair.

When was it brought to the attention of the Chief and board ..show me in the recorded minutes when that happened? You can't your just another idiot spewing disinformation!!

Oooh good one realistic voter. I would have to go through the minutes but my guess is sometime in October or November of the year the original error was made and a correction was done. Back to you....

I have a couple questions. If I own commerical property, am only obligated to pay $1.82 per thousand? Also, since it was illegal to tax property owners using a multi-tier tax rate, how will the CCFD survive when tax credits are issued to commercial property owners that were illegally taxed since the multi-tier rate began. Are there extra funds in the budget to cover taxes the taxes that will not be collected by the CCFD for credits due or does the CCFD plan to reduce expenses enough to cover anticipated reduction in estimated budget. If those credits are not accounted for or anticipated, the CCFD will be short of funds again in the near future. Does anyone have an estinate as to the amount of taxes credits owed to commercial properties owners in CCFD, I would imagine it is going to be a huge amount.

I'm a fucking retard.

spam

I have a couple questions. If I own commerical property, am only obligated to pay $1.82 per thousand? Also, since it was illegal to tax property owners using a multi-tier tax rate, how will the CCFD survive when tax credits are issued to commercial property owners that were illegally taxed since the multi-tier rate began. Are there extra funds in the budget to cover taxes the taxes that will not be collected by the CCFD for credits due or does the CCFD plan to reduce expenses enough to cover anticipated reduction in estimated budget. If those credits are not accounted for or anticipated, the CCFD will be short of funds again in the near future. Does anyone have an estinate as to the amount of taxes credits owed to commercial properties owners in CCFD, I would imagine it is going to be a huge amount.I have a couple questions. If I own commerical property, am only obligated to pay $1.82 per thousand? Also, since it was illegal to tax property owners using a multi-tier tax rate, how will the CCFD survive when tax credits are issued to commercial property owners that were illegally taxed since the multi-tier rate began. Are there extra funds in the budget to cover taxes the taxes that will not be collected by the CCFD for credits due or does the CCFD plan to reduce expenses enough to cover anticipated reduction in estimated budget. If those credits are not accounted for or anticipated, the CCFD will be short

I have a couple questions. If I own commerical property, am only obligated to pay $1.82 per thousand? Also, since it was illegal to tax property owners using a multi-tier tax rate, how will the CCFD survive when tax credits are issued to commercial property owners that were illegally taxed since the multi-tier rate began. Are there extra funds in the budget to cover taxes the taxes that will not be collected by the CCFD for credits due or does the CCFD plan to reduce expenses enough to cover anticipated reduction in estimated budget. If those credits are not accounted for or anticipated, the CCFD will be short of funds again in the near future. Does anyone have an estinate as to the amount of taxes credits owed to commercial properties owners in CCFD, I would imagine it is going to be a huge amount.

I have a couple questions. If I own commerical property, am only obligated to pay $1.82 per thousand? Also, since it was illegal to tax property owners using a multi-tier tax rate, how will the CCFD survive when tax credits are issued to commercial property owners that were illegally taxed since the multi-tier rate began. Are there extra funds in the budget to cover taxes the taxes that will not be collected by the CCFD for credits due or does the CCFD plan to reduce expenses enough to cover anticipated reduction in estimated budget. If those credits are not accounted for or anticipated, the CCFD will be short of funds again in the near future. Does anyone have an estinate as to the amount of taxes credits owed to commercial properties owners in CCFD, I would imagine it is going to be a huge amount.!

I have a couple questions. If I own commerical property, am only obligated to pay $1.82 per thousand? Also, since it was illegal to tax property owners using a multi-tier tax rate, how will the CCFD survive when tax credits are issued to commercial property owners that were illegally taxed since the multi-tier rate began. Are there extra funds in the budget to cover taxes the taxes that will not be collected by the CCFD for credits due or does the CCFD plan to reduce expenses enough to cover anticipated reduction in estimated budget. If those credits are not accounted for or anticipated, the CCFD will be short of funds again in the neear future. Does anyone have an estinate as to the amount of taxes credits owed to commercial properties owners in CCFD, I would imagine it is going to be a huge amount.

Ask Hopkins Hill, Anthony and western who are still using this tier system. If it's illegal why are they still using it??

The ratepayers and tax payers of Central Coventry SHOULD NOT be accountable for the 2.2 million dollar "mistake" that is at the root, along with a sweetheart contract for the firefighters" of this crisis. There was a supposed $800,000 assessment error made that was magically re-made for the two following years! THAT is the problem! Why has no one recommended that the AG convene a Grand Jury to hear testimony of how this "error" was originally made and included in the assests of CCFD and HOW ON EARTH this "mistake" was then repeated TWO MORE TIMES. Folks a FELONY has been perpetrated on the ratepayers of the CCFD and Richard Land and Judge Stern seem either unwiling to acknowledge this or they're PART OF THE PROBLEM! I ain't payin' one flippin' nickel of this FELONIOUS 2.2 million dollars to the CCFD or anyone else!

If it is based on a total budget vs a tax rate and a multi - tier tax is not legal as stated by the receiver then commercial property owners paid more than their fair share and residential owners paid too little. Would residential property owners owe additional funds to make up for the overpayment of the commercial property owners during the years the multi - tier tax system was used or does the new budget figure in commercial property requesting a credit for the amount they were over billed.

Fellow tax payers. It time to say no once again...Vote down this new budget..At the last budget vote CCFD bused in people with the offer of a free meal to vote there way... Other fire districts in town have submitted plans to run CCFD for much less in turn lowering taxes. Yes i said lower taxes..The waste is out of control...As the sticker post on the front of one of there trucks states. UNION THUGS!! yes on the fire truck payed for by tax payers they have the gall to place a sticker stating they are union thugs.. That is our fire truck not theres...

I agree with unset as far as the fact that the fire trucks are paid for by us and I'll go one further... the firefighters work for us not the other way around. I would love to vote no just so we could get rid of the thugs and only keep the good ones. I would also love go get rid of the chief (hired by the board we don't trust) and his secretary who does what? to earn all her money and benefits? It would be great if we could vote to clean house and then vote to keep the fire district going new and improved. Mohawk has a point with regards to the lights, hydrants, etc... so just remember, even if the vote goes "YES", we can still vote "NO" again in October if see no change. We may need to vote yes in order to get a new board who will hopefully clean house and get us back on the road to becoming a fire district we can be proud of not laughed at like we are now.

Mohawk what about the homes in the district that have no Fire hydrants or street lights. and are paying the same rate do you think that is fair.

Realistic voter with a mouth like a sewer...you really need to learn how to have a conversation with people. Just because you answer back with nasty comments doesn't make you right. Get rid of the jobs that are not necessary and frankly no matter what she makes it would be a savings. What other chiefs in town have a full time secretary? Why can't it be part time? Seriously, you think the chief has THAT much typing to do???

Why can't a new district be formed, with a new board and new employees and new employee contracts while the CCFD is liquidated?

All I know is I can not pay more in taxes along with most. I don't have children in school,I don't have street lights ,I don't have fire hydrants and I pay taxes for them. We do have a school (acroos from the library) that is heated in the winter and only a few offices are being used. WHY ???? Why are tax payers paying to keep a building that big open for a few town offices ?? Merg offices. Rent out space,I don't know. It is crazy such a waist. You run all over town from one building to another like the one on Macarthur Boulevard ,well there is two buildings. Another old school used partially as well. Its a waste. Merg. Rent space,or simply close down. Am I wrong ???

Prediction:
The vote will pass
A tiered system will be approved
Assalone will find insiders to run for the board
Seltzer?
Taxpayers get screwed by John's Kool-Aid drinkers AGAIN!!
$ 100.00 bet voter 'Jay"

My money is on Realistic Voter.

Way too many people commenting here really don't have the facts. the budget was not passed for TWO years now by the people at the annual meetings, they did however pass a motion that stated that the district could only set a tax rate usint the $1.82 rate and had to use the old 2006 evuation, this was not the board but was the wonderful Mr. A, Leo Blais and Conrad Burns that worded the motion and had all the folks from Johnny land pass the vote. look where it got all of us now paying an orderd tax bill, by the judge, and soon we will either be paying Mr. A,s share of taxes of way higher insurance rates because of no FD. WONDERFUL WONDERFUL WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jay, It was the board that voted to have an audit. The audit company found the mistake! So who did the right thing?? Assholone and his boy 's never found it and going thru the past minutes with a fine tooth comb found nothing or your boy Johnny would spent some more of his daddys money to put something in the paper!! But then again he never was big spender because he only put it in"The Reminder". After the big payout for the big crash must have left him a little short!!

When I spoke with this Land guy at the last meeting where the vote didn't pass he said the board did nothing wrong . He said an audit picked the problem up that should have been picked up by the assessor and that a lot of this was brought on by misinformation put in the paper by you know who ( Assalone)! Other people said if they didn't flat fund the budget the last two years we would not be here, All of this caused by "Voter-Jay's" fan club of John, Lou and Burns!

Wow did you see the fire on wood cove last? Outstanding job by the firefighters and I hope the use of the tower truck answered questions about the use of the truck and its importance. No I am not a firefighter but have friends in warwick that are. I feel a lot of criticizing come from inside forces in Coventry's good old boy network ( some from other dept's) .

Wood Cove is one of the only side streets the tower can fit down!! Anthony's Ladder and Hopkins Hill's Quint are much more suitable for going down the tighter roads and driveways especially out in the western part of town. What happens when T3 gets to a house fire and cannot turn down the driveway or even the road!!! then what?! tell me what the point of the tower ladder is then??

Folks ...time to clean house .....everyone in is out....liquidate ccfd send message that improper fiscal management means all of your government jobs ...emphasize transparency

Congratulations CT. You've given the most logical, common sense based statement towards fixing this debacle in 90+ comments on this thread thus far. The only point I would disagree on, is in regards to the chief. This guy walked into this mess, and from what I have seen, has taken a professional, hands-on and cooperative approach to get it straightened out. I also like the fact that he's from out of town, and has no dog in the show. From what I understand about him as a chief is that he's tough and runs a tight ship. I say let's give him the chance to prove otherwise.

agreed!

How can Hopkins Hill have 35 guys and a budget of 1 million and CCFD has about 60 and needs a budget of close to 6 million. I would vote to pass budget but no more than 2.80 per thousand, I beleive that's the highest rate in town now. I would also want a guarantee of no supplemental tax or car tax for at least five years and if the CCFD is ever short of funds employees will cut from the existing employee contracts to balance the budget

The President of the Town Council Has The Power and authority to declare a state of emergency in the event of disaster,catastrophe, or other similar event, OR THE IMMINENT DANGER THEREOF WHICH ENDANGERS THE PUBLIC PEACE, HEALTH ,SAFETY,WELFARE,AND PROTECTION OF PROPERTY OF THE INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN,AND TO TAKE SUCH LAWFUL ACTIONS HE DEEMS NECESSARY..

I have had enough of this inaccurate and unfortunate display of ignorance and narrowminded stupidity on all of your parts. These follks chose this as their career taking their jobs very seriously!!!!!--getting college degrees in fire science and related degrees--training on almost daily basis on potential hazards and emergency situations all to protect you freakig fools--and your unaccreciative attitudes..REALLY????..the fact that you pay taxes to pay their salaries should be a comfort to you!! Not a hindrance!!!! STOP THIS RIGHT NOW..WE HAVE ALL HAD ENOUGH...all of you need to get a life!---as you all hide behind your computers complaining while they are out there willing to take on respiratory diseases and cancer and other things.( and that is not including their potential for getting hurt or killed by climbing on your roof and going into your house to save your sorry butts)
I bet that at least 98% of you do not take your job as seriously and subject yourself to the things that they do!!!! Get a grip and a life. YOU ALL SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES!!!! I am a taxpayer and times are tough..but that is just life...we all figure out a way to get by as inflation suffocates us. STOP PICKING ON PEOPLE THAT CANNOT DEFEND THEMSELVES BECAUSE THEY ARE A SLAVE TO YOU!

Enough said!!

The fact that someone got a degree in fire science and is willing to perform the, well documented, duties and responsibilities of a firefighter/EMT DOES NOT give them unfettered access to the pocketbooks, dreams, and well being of their neighbors. The CCFD OVERBILLED it's ratepayers by 2.2 million dollars and now expects us to pony up this money in order to make them whole! The so-call "mistake" behind this RIDICULOUS BUDGETARY BLUNDER/CRIME is the result of either GROSS INEPTITUDE or FELONIOUS BEHAVIORS. We need fire protection but we don't need the EXTORTION, THREATS, and INSULTS that are being hurled at us by so called "public servants". If the realities of firefighting and EMT work are not what you expected please feel free to pursue career alternatives. It's not the taxpayers of Central Coventry who need to "grow up"!

Nobody shows hate better than you buddy!!

Cant we all just get along? This blog looks like script from the Jerry Springer show. I just hope that other Coventry residents that log onto this site will understand that not everyone in this lost town is this aggressive and shallow. Its a big world out there people. big big world. The worst thing that happened to this town is peapod services, and supermarkets. no one leaves.

Coventry Taxpayer*** The comment I made about the town Council is not what they
Think they can do, It is factual documentation..The intent was for those with the ability to read it and understand that no Matter what Happens with CCFD, THe town Has a responsibility to ultimately protect its citizens and their property in the face of danger.. Losing The CCFD would most likely Be considered a risk to the taxpayers of that district and therefore require swift action by the council to ensure everyones safety..

I agree property taxes would increase, but if the Town of Coventry starts a fire department, RI law requires all the other districts in town like Western, Hopkins Hill and Anthony would be forced to close and one department would serve the entire town.

Chief baynes and joe bonn are connected, both retired warwick fire fighters, chief baynes has worked for the IAFF and is a huge union supporter...new board new chief get the union under control. they wrote nice contracts for themselves.

.......

@RS
What is the name of Baynes company from your comment
"that helps municipalities fight unions"

Baynes Parker Labor Relations LLC in Riverside, RI

I would like to see a financial study done to identify the impact on the taxpayers if a townwide department were to be formed. I also beieve that if one were formed, there should be no grandfathering of current positions. Testing should take place to fill positions. By dissolving the current Departments into one, the Union I believe would also be dissolved and have to be renegotiated within the newly formed Department.

I believe that the Union has been more harmful than good. I have read the contract that is posted on line, and have to say that it does not have the taxpayers in its best interest by any means.

@ Western Citizen, first the unions have been involved in CCFD since the mid 1980's or beginning of the 90's and there was NO problem! At that time and up until the merger, all the talk was that Coventry didn't need 8 fire districts with seperate boards and duplication of effort and services. Now the process everyone, mostly taxpayers, wanted is here and people managing the new district make a math error..., you want people who tested for and got and were trained for these firefighter jobs to lose them after they hsve been there between 5-20 years? The cost of making a whole NEW department and trained would have a obscene cost to taxpayers. Further more, I have read fire department labor contracts from all over New England. This one very balanced to both the taxpayer and the employees! No issue is "given" or "taken", every sentence in these contracts are negotiated by both sides lawyers!