1. Call to Order

Council President DeMedeiros called the meeting to order at approximately 7:30 PM with the pledge of allegiance to the flag and called the Town Council portion of the Joint Workshop to order with a roll call.

Council President DeMedeiros, Councilor Janick, Councilor Milbourne, and Council Edwards were present. Council Vice President Burk, Councilor Perry, and Councilor Edwards V were absent. Town Administrator Cotta and Town Clerk Chabot were also present.

School Committee Chairman Jerome Larkin called the School Committee portion of the Joint Workshop to order. Present were Chair Larkin, Vice Chair Farnworth, Member Pavao and Member DeCotis. Absent was Member Pallasch. Ms. Amy Roderick, School Finance Director, was also present.

Budget Committee Chair Janick called the Budget Committee portion of the Joint Workshop to order. Present were Michael Janick, David Perry, Ruth Wall, Diana Perdomo and Todd Cherry. Absent: Daniel Deren and George O’Loughlin. Chair Janick announced new officers elected – Chair Janick, Vice Chair Perry, and Secretary O’Loughlin.

2. Discussion on Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Budget

Council President DeMedeiros updated the group on the upcoming January 19, 2023, meeting regarding casino gaming funds and American Recovery money for capital expenditures.

Administrator Cotta spoke regarding trash hauling costs due to the landfill closure, the one-time $500,000 reduction last year from the TIF bond, and the Safer Grant was not approved with $318K impact.

School Chair Dr. Larkin spoke to the School Committees’ meetings on the budget, with the first official meeting on January 3, 2023. He suggested the Budget Committee watch the videos of the School Committee, since May or June 2022 where they discussed the budget. The next School Committee budget workshop is scheduled for February 11, 2023.

Budget Chair Janick mentioned the recent budget process change, the first year with the new process, a learning experience for all, and looking forward to reviewing the unified budget.

Council President DeMedeiros mentioned that the Council will be reviewing budget items. The clerk will send notices to Budget Committee.

Budget Vice Chair Perry relayed the need to coordinate and need schedule from the Council. Council President DeMedeiros will discuss this at the next meeting.

Budget Vice Chair Perry asked whom to contact for information from the School Committee. School Chair Larkin stated their Finance Director, Amy Roderick, will send backup from each meeting to the Budget Committee. Council President DeMedeiros mentioned Administrator Cotta is available for any questions.

All agreed that the budget must not go over the cap.

Council President DeMedeiros reiterated that casino money will be used for capital expenditures so that people are not taxed for capital needs. Administrator Cotta stated gaming money is indirect tax relief, capital needs will be extracted from the operating budget.

Budget Vice Chair Perry asked about the Safer Grant impact of $318K. Administrator Cotta stated that four firefighters were hired due to a state law change, with shifts required to change from 56-hour to 42-hour. We had anticipated the Safer Grant would cover the costs for those new hires and costs haven’t hit the budget yet.

Budget Chair Janick asked about the landfill shortfall. Administrator Cotta stated landfill closure costs $12.5M, anticipates $1.5M to $1.6M shortfall, and will request American Recovery money to cover the shortfall.

Budget Vice Chair Perry asked about Pay As You Throw (PAYT) current receipts. Administrator Cotta stated running approximately $300K - $320K per year, current monitoring hauling costs, and tipping fees. Tipping fees are based on weight.

Regarding school capital expenditures, School Chair Dr. Larkin asked where we are long term, continue with using casino funds and pay as you go, or do we need bonds? He reviewed current capital expenditures with 30% to 40% reimbursement from RIDE. He explained RIDE process with 5-year plan with maintenance of effort, letter of intent, and declaration on the plan to fund. The next submission date is February 15, 2023 but expect to submit in September 2023.

Council President DeMedeiros reported council is working on an ordinance for a school capital “restricted” account for these reimbursements, expect on next council agenda.

Budget Member Perdomo asked about reimbursement percentages. Chair Dr. Larkin referred her to Finance Director Roderick for information. He noted the next meeting for the Building Committee is next Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at 5:00 PM and may be helpful for the Budget Committee.

3. Adjournment

Town Councilor Janick motioned to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Edwards. Motion passed in the affirmative. Town Council adjourned.

School Committee Chair Larkin indicated that the School Committee had additional school business on their agenda.

Budget Committee member Perry motioned to adjourn, seconded by member Perdomo. Motion passed in the affirmative. Budget Committee adjourned.

Joint Workshop adjourned at approximately 8:06 PM.

A True Copy.

ATTEST_________________________

                 Joan B. Chabot, Town Clerk