1. CALL TO ORDER                                          

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

Council President deMedeiros called the meeting to order with the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

Present

Town Administrator Cotta, Solicitor Marcello, and Clerk Chabot were present.

The School Committee Vice-chair Pavao called their meeting to order with a roll call.

School Committee Vice-chair Elaine Pavao, and School Committee members Michael DeCotis, Deb Pallasch, and Diane Farnworth were present. Dr. Jerome Larkin was absent. Superintendent Peter Sanchioni, Finance Director Amy Roderick, and School Department Attorney Benjamin Scungio were also present.

3. Review and discussion of FY2025 Tiverton School Department Budget

Council President deMedeiros announced the council decided on a 2% increase for the School Department. A public hearing was scheduled for June 12, 2024, with the budget expected to be finalized on June 15, 2024.

School member Pallasch clarified that the 2% increase is in the local contribution, but with state aid reduction, there is an overall 2% decrease in the school's total appropriation.

Council President deMedeiros reviewed the increase last year (FY23) at 4% and this year (FY24) at 3%, with casino capital of $2M and $1M over the last two years. The council needed to weigh the needs of the whole town. Councilor Edwards V mentioned the commitment of $6.2M over several years for school capital improvement projects.

Council President deMedeiros stated the council approved a special capital fund where all reimbursements go into the school capital fund rather than into the general fund of the town.

Councilor Edwards V questioned how the school finance subcommittee operates and how often they meet. Member Farnworth responded that they meet monthly, reconvening in October, to review year-to-date expenditures. The entire School Committee receives the information and reviews. The Committee is well aware of a structural deficit over the last few years.

Council President deMedeiros is concerned about using one-time money to finance programs and overspending your budget. The School Committee can do what you want with your budget, but can’t come back to us wanting more money.

Councilor Edwards V is concerned that proper financial controls are not in place to manage your budget, and the declining student population with reduced state aid next year.

Member Pallasch reiterated that they do review the numbers and have been very transparent about using one-time funds. She reminded that we have been through a crisis that had a major loss of learning impact on students. Their budget was $24M which was less than last year's budget, having made cuts. Since 2015, on average received 1.2%. Facing serious issues, are responsible to parents, staff, and teachers, and have to say what kind of consequences we’re looking at. Understand that some information was confusing and what can we help you understand.

Councilor Edwards V reviewed questions on special education needs. Finance Director Roderick stated that state aid for special education lags a year, and changes in special education needs were updated in the budget and not held, special education is similar to Medicare which gets reimbursement the following year..

Councilor Burk does not see increasing the budget, efforts need to be beefed up to reduce the structural deficit and need facilitated conversation to address this issue with everyone involved.

Dr. Sanchioni stated he has not overspent the budget and used one-time funds to avoid layoffs. We all have good intentions but there is an impact of slashing the budget that is going to be devastating. The difference between 2% and 4% is $546,872. Dr. Sanchioni reviewed slides from a presentation regarding what cuts and layoffs have been made to balance the budget. Additional layoffs will be needed. Proper funding produces outstanding results.

Councilor Burk asked questions regarding Medicare funding. Dr. Sanchioni has not gotten approval from the School Committee yet.

Member Pallasch agreed that a community discussion is needed to see what the community wants to see as a school model and for education.

Councilor Paull had a question on historical layoffs. Dr. Sanchioni responded with FY21 of 23, FY22 of 4.5, and FY24 of 4.5. Grants and Region 13 assessment has an impact on FTE escalation and can provide more detail.

Councilor Edwards is concerned about closing Fort Barton and laying off teachers instead of reducing administration.

Member Farnworth understands the balancing needs of all, fire, police, DPW, and schools. Inflation has an impact on our budget as well.

Administrator Cotta mentioned that he, the Treasurer, school administration, and legal representation met last week. It was a productive meeting, clarifying some information in the budget, discussing resolving issues, and identifying some items that could be under capital expenditures. Dr. Sanchioni questioned how to proceed with removing items for capital expenditures.

Member Decotis commented that police, fire, DPW, and teachers want to help people and not get rich, but they are all underpaid. We are challenged to pay all our employees what they are worth.

Councilor Janick commented that we are all in this together, one team, one town, and need to figure this out together.

Councilor Edwards V wants to know what the next steps look like so that we can work together.

5. EXECUTIVE SESSION

A. Council President deMedeiros – RIGL 42-46-5(4) any investigation proceeding regarding allegations of

     misconduct, either civil or criminal, Fire Department

B. Council President deMedeiros – RIGL 42-46-5(a)(2) Litigation: Potential and new litigation regarding

     Tiverton Fire Department, including a USDC-RI matter

Councilor Edwards V motioned to enter Executive Session for agenda items 5A and 5B. Councilor Janick seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Council entered closed executive session at approximately 8:32 p.m.

Council returned to open session at approximately 9:23 p.m.

Councilor Edwards V motioned to seal the minutes of the Executive Session. Councilor Burk seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Solicitor Marcello reported a vote was taken but the disclosure of any such votes taken in executive session at this point would be detrimental to the interests of the town and therefore they will not be disclosed at this time..

6. ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Edwards V motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilor Burk seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. The meeting adjourned at 9:26 p.m.

A True Copy.

ATTEST________________________________

                       Joan B. Chabot, Town Clerk