What's Happening in Enfield, CT…

On July 30, residents of the Thompsonville Fire District in Enfield let their voices be heard about district operations. By a landslide of 88-1, they voted to have more say on financial issues, including budgeting and seeking financial assistance.

This change will not go into effect until next year, since the fire commissioners' board has already put this year’s strategy into place.

Last year, the fire commissioners did not require the vote of residents for the budget and created one without their input. However, residents say they should have been able to be a part of the financial decisions as has previously been the case. The Courant reports that several filed a lawsuit against them and worked to alter the operations by way of the Hartford government. Their claim was ultimately denied and none of the policies changed.

Carl Landolina, the fire district attorney, stated that he was in favor of altering policies so taxpayers could have input. There are several parts of the budget the residents cannot change, but they will now have say in where some of the money goes. Also, the firefighters need to be paid and bills for a new firehouse in the district are still being paid off.

Poster printers could help both sides explain how they wish to spend the available funds.