It's been a busy week at the court house. On Wednesday July 22,2015 Providence VFD and the Town met with the Superior Court judge to rule on a request from the Town to stop PVFD from taking depositions, and to force PVFD to vacate the Hemby Road station by July 29th. Our attorneys argued that the Town was acting prematurely since PVFD had not yet violated any occupancy rules. They told the judge that since PVFD is claiming fraud in the actions by the Town, that possession of the Hemby Road property should remain with PVFD until that action is settled. The judge noted that the lease required mediations and strongly recommended that both parties get together on Thursday to attempt to come to a resolution. He delayed his ruling until Friday to allow mediation to take place. On Thursday, July 23, 2015 PVFD attempted to mediate with the Town of Weddington (attorneys for the Town and Mayor Deter). PVFD offered several options which focused on serving the community. However, the Town was not interested in any option other than receiving a buyout figure which would be "considered". No resolution was possible. On Friday, July 24, 2015 (today) approximately 40 residents and firefighters listened as the judge gave each attorney time to present any additional remarks, then ruled that according to the lease agreement between the Town and PVFD, the Town is within their rights to cancel the agreement and have PVFD vacate. Our attorneys reminded the judge that PVFD will show fraud in the actions of the Town which would negate the "good faith" intent of both parties when the agreement was made. However, the judge was steadfast in his opinion. The final ruling means Providence VFD must be out of the building by July 29th. Future court actions for Breach of Contract and Fraud will still be heard by a jury, but until they can be heard Providence VFD is, in effect, out of business. The topic of depositions was not raised so I am not sure where that stands at this moment. When I find out I will let you know. Mayor Deter is on record as stating that discussion of fire service will be over as of July 29th. He is also running for re-election. Time will tell how residents react to this issue. Over this weekend and Monday and Tuesday, you have the opportunity to stop by the station, let the 50 members who have served this community know how much you appreciate them, and pitch in to help us pack up the station. 50 people will lose their jobs this coming week. Help us celebrate their service to us.