1. CALL TO ORDER

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

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

3. ROLL CALL

Present

Absent

Michael S. Burk

Solicitor Marcello, Administrator Jones, Clerk Chabot and Deputy Clerk Veegh were also present.

4. GENERAL BUSINESS

                A. Review, discussion, and possible vote on the Proposed FY 26 Expenditure Budget for all municipal

                    Departments and Tiverton School Department

                B. Overall discussion, review, and possible votes on FY 26 Budget and FY26 Revenue Projections,

                     including resolutions, miscellaneous supporting financial data, and tax worksheet.

                C. Discussion and possible vote on the FY 26 Preliminary Unified Budget Ordinance and set Public
                    Hearing date

Councilor deMedeiros opened discussion suggesting deletion of the DPW summer help line item. She also noted an excessive expenditures in IT services. Councilor Committo asked about hiring IT services on a contractual basis. Administrator Jones replied that he had intended to put forth a future proposal to pool IT services town wide, to include school and municipal. Consideration was given to reduce fire protective gear and public works clothing allowances.

Treasurer Saurette said she expected roughly a $775,000.00 shortage in revenue as a result of less building permits and real estate activity that negatively affected recording fees and stamp taxes. However, she projected contingency funds would cover the shortage on revenue. 

Councilor deMedeiros motioned to adopt the preliminary budget ordinance for FY2026 as presented, and set the hearing date for June 9, 2025. Seconded by Councilor Janick.

Councilor Perry asked for further discussion. He complimented the Council for making hard choices on the municipal side, but expressed frustration over the school committee's lack of a strategic plan, criticizing the decision to close Fort Barton School, relocating fourth graders to the middle school and still running a $750,000 deficit. He disagreed giving the schools 3.5%. 

Councilor deMedeiros said she agreed with Councilor Perry, acknowledging that what the school department did was irresponsible to the tax payers. She reconciled her decision as an effort to support the incoming new superintendent, as well as the students. Councilors Committo, Councilor Janick and Edwards V each expressed agreement with Councilor Perry, yet they advocated for a fresh start as a strategic plan for success in the future. 

The motion unanimously passed.

5. ADJOURNMENT

Councilor Paull motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilor Committo seconded the motion. The motion unanimously passed. The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m.

A True Copy.

ATTEST______________________________________

                        Joan B. Chabot, CMC    Town Clerk