STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS COUNTY OF NEWPORT

 

The Town Council of the Town of Tiverton, County and State aforesaid held a Joint Workshop with the School Committee and the Budget Committee on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 7:00 pm via a Virtual Meeting viewable at Tiverton Videos on YouTube.

 

1. CALL TO ORDER

 

Council President deMedeiros called the meeting to order at approximately 7pm with the pledge of allegiance to the flag and called the Town Council portion of the Joint Workshop to order with a roll call. All members present.

 

Budget Committee Secretary Sheri Aakre opened the Budget Committee portion of the Joint Workshop with roll call of members present.

 

School Committee Chairman Jerome Larkin called the School Committee portion of the Joint Workshop to order with all members, Superintendent Sanchioni and Finance Director Roderick present.

 

2. Discussion on Fiscal Year 2021/2022 Budget

 

Council President deMedeiros asked the School Committee Chair Dr. Larkin to start.

 

Dr. Larkin commented on recent events, the tough times people are facing and stressed working together. He introduced the Dr. Sanchioni and Miss Roderick to share preliminary information on the School Department budget. Dr. Sanchioni began by stating the School Committee voted to send the $32,506,856 preliminary budget that represents the needs of 1800 students and 165 staff to the Budget Committee. They will continue to look at and vet the budget. Last year was a tough year where the services delivered were impacted by the layoff of 24 teachers and continue to have an impact. Dr. Sanchioni will advocate for those students and staff throughout the process. He looks forward to working together.

 

Council President deMedeiros mentioned that the Town Council received the preliminary municipal budget on Monday and will plan workshops with Department Heads and the Town Administrator. She commended the volunteers on the Budget Committee for the difficult job they are facing and their dedication to the town. She stressed coming together, compromising for the fairest budget for the taxpayers.

 

Town Administrator Cotta commented on the difficult year ahead that we are facing and will go through the process to review needs and constraints. Hope to work well with all.

 

Council President deMedeiros mentioned the first Town Council workshop will be January 23^rd to review Police and Fire budgets and will coordinate with Budget Committee Chairman Joseph Sousa.

 

Budget Committee Chairman Joseph Sousa commented on working together with the Town Administrator who has town budget experience and will coordinate with the Town Administrator so that the Budget Committee does not get ahead of Town Council review. Same for the School Committee as they get closer to final numbers, will set up date for School presentation.

 

Introductions were made by the Budget Committee members.

 

Councilors Cook and Edwards made brief comments regarding the budget and the Budget Committee.

 

 

3. ADJOURNMENT:

 

Town Councilor Burk motioned to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Perry. Motion passed in the affirmative by roll call vote. Town Council adjourned.

 

School Committee member Farnsworth motioned to adjourn, seconded by member Pavao. Motion passed in the affirmative by roll call vote.  School Committee adjourned. 

 

Budget Committee member Edwards motioned to adjourn, seconded by member Janick.  Motion passed in the affirmative by roll call vote. Budget Committee adjourned.

 

Joint Workshop adjourned at approximately 7:26 pm

 

For full discussion of this meeting, please refer to the video.

 

A True Copy.

 

ATTEST_________________________

                 Joan B. Chabot, Town Clerk