Poquonnock Bridge has a "Heated" meeting

A Heated Atmosphere at Poquonnock Bridge Board Meeting......

 Over 40 residents and firefighters attended a meeting of the Poquonnock Bridge Fire District Thursday night, complaining that the district has been mismanaged, the department is absent a working ladder truck and the Fort Hill station shouldn't become a volunteer department.

 One resident stated he would contribute $1000 towards the ladder truck purchase in order to protect his own safety, living on an upper story of a building.

The residents were especially concerned with the budget approved by the board of directors April 25 that calls for spending 40 percent more than the current year, requiring an increase in the tax rate to over 8 mils.

 One resident spoke to concerns about the board removing fire alarm boxes and reducing fire department  response to medical calls. The ladder truck at Long Hill Station has been out of service for well over a year and the district has been relying on Groton City's truck for mutual aid.

The meeting was very "heated" from reports received from some residents. Several comments were directed at Board members Mr. Yuhas and Mr. Ackley, to the effect that they were running the fire district into the ground and expecting the Town to take over the expenses. Similar comments have been made previously...and publicly...by the Groton Town Manager.

The budget goes for a vote at the annual meeting at 7 p.m. on May 16 at the Groton Senior Center.