PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A Rhode Island firefighters union has filed a court appeal to halt the pending liquidation of their fire district.
The Providence Journal reported that Union President David Gorman said The Coventry Firefighters Union, of the Central Coventry Fire District, appealed to the state Supreme Court Friday.
“First and foremost, as of today, there is not a plan in place that would provide emergency services or fire protection to the community, secondly the liquidation is not necessary, the district has plenty of money, there is nearly $2 million in the bank, cash on hand and an approved budget,” President Gorman said.
“If someone was willing to sit down with the firefighters and negotiate with us, we know that it can work, but no one is willing to do that, no one will give us the opportunity. Lastly, there is no need to saddle the ratepayers with a liquidation assessment of nearly $20 million when this can be resolved.”
They did not request an injunction or a stay from the liquidation order, according to the report.
“If we need to request a stay we will do so, but we are hopeful that we can resolve this without any further legal action, as long as we are given the opportunity,” President Gorman said.
The Fire District is set to close May 16 at 11:59 p.m., according to the report.