Dunn's Corners Voters Back Hiring Full-Time Chief

Changes to the 15-year-old Dunn's Corners Fire Department Charter were approved by 26 voters Tuesday night, paving the way for the department to hire a full-time fire chief. The turnout for the proposed changes was about the same as it has been for the annual fire district meeting. Currently, Fire Chief Michael Frink is a part-time, paid chief.

Under the revised charter, an Operating Committee would be formed and will prepare budgets and oversee the district operations. The fire chief, district treasurer, clerk, and tax assessor will be appointed instead of elected.

The current mill rate of approximately 24 to 25 cents per thousand dollars is expected to rise marginally when a full-time fire chief is appointed. The increase in the mill rate is an expense which many in the district feel is worthwile.

The changes to the charter will now be forwarded to the Rhode Island General Assembly for endorsement. Approval of the charter changes will mean the new document becomes effective prior to the annual fire district meeting in July 2007.