STATE OF RHODE ISLAND, COUNTY OF NEWPORT

The Town Council of the Town of Tiverton, County, and State aforesaid held a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the Tiverton Town Hall, 343 Highland Road, Tiverton, Rhode Island 02878.

A. Council President Edwards V – Discussion and possible vote to fund advertising for the proposed

     amendments to the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2 Administration, Division 2 Purchasing,

     Section 2-107 Casino gaming revenue to include Section 2-107(g) regarding capital projects

Councilor deMedeiros motioned to approve funding to advertise the proposed amendments to the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2 Administration, Division 2 Purchasing, Section 2-107 Casino gaming revenue to include Section 2-107(g) regarding capital projects. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed 4-1, with Councilor Burk opposed.

               B. Council President Edwards V - Discussion and possible vote on FY27 Unified Budget Ordinance

Councilor deMedeiros highlighted that the proposed property tax increase is 1.5%. Tax Assessor Robert explained that the increase on an average house valued at $375,000 would be approximately $60 a year. Councilor Committo thanked everyone for the hard work that went into the budget process, keeping the budget under the 4% cap. Councilor deMedeiros commented that for years, the Town Council kept the municipal budget low to support education, and this year, to expect the municipal budget to increase, for the town to provide raises to its public safety employees.

Councilor Burk added that the raises included other town employees, not just police and fire. Although he has some fundamental disagreements on several items, including the funding for the school system, he would vote in favor of moving this preliminary budget forward.  Councilor Perry agreed with Councilor Committo and thanked the council for keeping the budget as low as 1.5%. Vice President Paull mentioned the casino gaming revenue being used creatively to keep taxes down, with capital purchases and improvements being phenomenal. He also thanked the Treasurer and Tax Assessor for their work

Councilor Perry motioned to adopt the preliminary budget ordinance for FY27 as presented. Seconded by Councilor deMedeiros, the motion passed unanimously.

Vice President Paull reminded that the Public Hearing is scheduled for June 8, 2026, at 7:00 PM, as part of the regular council meeting. If anyone has questions, comments, or concerns, that is the time to hear them.