By ANDY GARDNER

MASSENA -- The village has hired a law firm to represent them in arbitration with the fire department that drew criticisms from a village resident during public comment.

The board voted 4-0 at their Tuesday meeting to hire Bond, Schoenick and King to represent them in an interest arbitration matter with Massena Permanent Firefighters IAFF Local 2220.

“The fire agreement appears imminent to head to arbitration,” Currier said. “They will have legal representation in order to protect taxpayers. We need to do the same.”

Mayor Tim Currier said the firm themselves and Village Attorney Matthew McArdle recommended the village hire the firm.

“This is on the recommendation of the village attorney and this firm,” he said.

Village resident Shawn Gray pointed out that Bond, Schoenick and King have represented “a large property owner” who sued for a lower assessment, which cost the village tax revenue.

“A large property owner in the village sued the town and village for a lowered assessment. Are you aware the law firm you hired tonight lead the charge and that has a negative impact on the taxpayer?” Gray asked. “We’re giving $50,000 to a law firm that reduced the tax base.”

“These are two separate issues,” Currier said.

“It doesn’t matter it’s a firm that may not have the best interest of the village at heart?” Gray said.

“That’s speculating,” Trustee Tim Ahlfeld quickly retorted.