By Tom Mooney
Providence Journal / Andrew Dickerman
WARWICK, R.I. -- Superior Court Judge Brian P. Stern on Friday ordered the Central Coventry Fire District closed as of 11:59 p.m. on April 11. The financially troubled fire district, which provided emergency and fire protection for 18,000 people, has been in receivership since October.
Stern said the court does not have the power to impose a new plan for fire and emergency services, which he said is the prerogative of the General Assembly. The judge urged the lawmakers to come up with a plan by the April deadline.
Fire district taxpayers rejected the district's budget Tuesday night.
An earlier version of this report was posted at 3:53 p.m.