1.         A.        REGULAR SESSION

2.         A.        PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

The Pledge of Allegiance is given.

B.        The Land Acknowledgement Statement is read.

3.         ROLL CALL

Roll Call is taken and all members are present.

The following members of the School Committee are present: Paula Whitford, Chairwoman, Michelle Brousseau, Vice Chair, Melissa Boyd, Katherine Macinanti, Bradley Shear, and Carol Vetter. James Restivo is absent.

Also present: James M. Manni, Town Manager; Brian Silvia, Finance Director; Mark Prince, School Superintendent; and Raquel Pellerin, School Chief Financial Officer.

4.         PUBLIC HEARING

A.        Notice having been duly given, a Public Hearing, with School Committee participation is held relative to the Town Council’s Preliminary Budget for FY 2023-2024 as adopted on March 20, 2023. This Public Hearing will address all funds contained within the Town Council’s Preliminary Budget.

James Manni, Town Manager presents an overview of the budget hearing and adoption process in accordance with the Town Charter. The second required Public Hearing with the School Committee will be held on Monday, April 17, 2023. The Town Council’s Final Budget will be adopted at a Public Hearing during their Regular Session on Monday, April 24, 2023.  

The Preliminary Budget for FY 2023-2024 contains a net property tax levy of $76,157,776, an increase of 1.63% from the current year. The tax rate is proposed at $11.07 per thousand, an increase of 1.10% from the current rate of $10.95 per thousand. All funds budgeted for FY 2023-2024 total $105,013,974, an increase of $2,474,280 or 2.41% compared with the current year adopted budget of $102,539,596. Mr. Manni notes that this is a good budget overall, considering inflation and other factors.

Brian Silvia, Finance Director reviews the changes to the budget enacted by the Town Council. Revenues in the State Library General Aid were reduced by $20,006 to correct a duplication error, and expenditures in the Canvassing Authority account were increased by $16,585 to account for administration costs of the Presidential Preference Primary. Current year taxes were increased by $36,591.

Mr. Silvia reviews the Town Council’s Adopted Preliminary Budget, noting that the Property Tax Transfer to Schools is level funded at $55,994,773, and the tax rate will increase by 1.10% to $11.07. The Net Property Tax Levy for the Town is $18,772,535 or 24.65% of the total, and for the Schools is $57,385,241 or 75.35% for a total program of $76,157,776. The tax distribution for the Town is $2.73 and for the Schools is $8.34 for a total tax rate of $11.07. An analysis of the General Fund Tax Revenue reflects an increase in assessed values for real property and tangible personal property. The Preliminary Adopted Budget Program is $105,013,975.

The Finance Director reviews the General Fund revenues and expenditures totaling $30,824,918, noting that State Aid has increased due to the phase out of the motor vehicle excise tax program. A review of the School Fund revenues and expenditures in the amount of $62,635,680 reflects an increase of $500,000 in State Aid.

The Peace Dale Office Building Fund at $106,633 reflects an increase in capital outlay. The Senior Services Fund reflects an increased expenditure in commodities, with the largest revenue increase from grants. Neighborhood Guild Fund expenditure increases in capital outlay and services are balanced with increased departmental revenues for a total program of $873,160. The Community Recreation Center program of $709,213 includes expenditure increases in services and capital outlay and increased departmental revenue.  The Debt Service Fund is proposed at $1,915,386 for FY 2023-2024. The balance of total outstanding debt is decreasing and as of June 30, 2023 is estimated to be $15,841,000.   

The Water Enterprise Fund for FY 2023-2024 is proposed at $1,263,651. The Wastewater Enterprise Fund is proposed at $5,068,231. The Solid Waste Fund is proposed at $887,262, a decrease of about $114,000.

The Town’s Unassigned Fund Balance to be applied to the Town Budget for FY 2023-2024 is $1,043,608. Fund Balance is estimated to decrease by $40,000 to $15,599,644 or 17.52%. The Town Council could allocate about $460,000 to bring the Fund Balance to 17%, the target level identified by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).

Council President McEntee asks about the swing in revenue from State Aid. The Finance Director explains that the increased revenue from the State was related to the State accelerating the Motor Vehicle Phase-out in the current fiscal year, thus lowering the amount the Town collected in MV taxes and increasing the pass-through motor vehicle reimbursement, from the State. 

Council President McEntee asks if some of the Unassigned Fund Balance could be applied to reduce the Debt Service. The Finance Director responds that it could be used for that purpose or could be applied to the Capital Budget.   

Discussion ensues regarding the potential use of Fund Balance as leverage for a water infrastructure project, but it is noted that the Water Fund is an Enterprise Fund supported by fees. The Town has applied for a large grant from Senator Reed’s office that would still require a $3 million bond from the Town. The Town will wait to see what the potential costs of PFAS may be.   

Discussion ensues regarding the status of funding from the Town of Narragansett for their senior citizens who utilize the Town’s Senior Center. The Town Manager will be speaking at the upcoming Narragansett Town Council meeting to seek support for reinstatement of full funding.

Council Vice President Marran asks how level funding affects the Maintenance of Effort for support of the Schools and meeting RI Department of Education (RIDE) requirements. Raquel Pellerin, School CFO responds regarding the many faceted calculations used by RIDE. School budgets must meet all school contractual agreements, special education requirements, the Basic Education Program and all expenditure mandates.

Discussion ensues regarding the South Kingstown – Narragansett Senior Advisory Council that was started in 2016 but has not met since 2019.  

Council President McEntee invites residents to come forward with comments.

Dorald Beasley is present and comments on the school budget, per pupil cost, and compensation levels.

Councilwoman Rose notes that the Inclusionary Pre-School program housed at Wakefield Elementary School is for special education students that typically require higher than average student costs.

School Committee member Vetter concurs, noting that building costs are spread over only one smaller school, not the student base related to an elementary school.  

Councilwoman Bergner comments on the relationship of Town and School finances and payments.  

Ms. Pellerin notes the School and Town procurement program.

The Finance Director advises that the Town reviews and approves the School payroll summary and accounts payable check summary. The Town is audited every year by an outside firm.

Council President McEntee agrees that internal controls assure that finances are properly managed and the audit confirms that.

The Finance Director reports that the Town has received Distinguished Budget Awards from the GFOA for over 30 years.

Discussion ensues relative to costs per pupil, since not every district uses the same budgeting standards or practices it is difficult to compare costs with other districts.

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED:  to close the Public Hearing.

UNANIMOUSLY VOTED:  to adjourn at 7:50 PM.

Susan M. Flynn, CMC

Town Clerk