| TOWN OF WEST WARWICK RHODE ISLAND 1170 Main Street West Warwick, RI 02893 (401) 822-9200 www.westwarwickri.org |
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WEST WARWICK TOWN COUNCIL
Town Council Budget Public Hearing
Town Council Chambers
April 3, 2024
6:00 P.M.
(Or immediately following the previous meeting)
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M I N U T E S
*Please Note: Any matter listed on this agenda may be acted upon by the Town Council*
A. Meeting called to order by the Town Council President at 6:01 P.M.
B. Prayer led by Council
C. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
D. Roll Call taken by Town Clerk
Councilman Mark Dennison - Present
Councilman Jason Licciardi - Present
Councilman Jason Messier - Present
Council Vice President Maribeth Williamson - Present
Council President David Gosselin - Present
E. Quorum on Record Declared by Town Clerk
F. Public Hearing on the proposed FY2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025) Municipal Budget
M. Knott, Town Manager, gives a brief overview of the proposed budget. The presented budget would increase the levy 1.22% and would be a 2.35% tax rate increase.
K. Benoit, Finance Director, states that there has been a favorable change in the health and dental premiums which have reduced the budget by $263,291.00.
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Licciardi to accept the changes. All Ayes
M. Williamson is comfortable with the proposed budget.
J. Licciardi has a few suggestions. He suggests moving the turnout gear for the Fire Department to the Capital budget.
Chief Varone agrees with the change.
MOTION made by J. Licciardi, seconded by J. Messier to move $90,000 out of the Fire Department budget and into the Capital Budget. All Ayes
J. Licciardi questions the request from DPW for $250,000 for trucks.
J. Caldwell, DPW Director, is not opposed to splitting the request up between this year and next year.
MOTION made by J. Licciardi, seconded by J. Messier to reduce the DPW truck budget from $250,000 to $150,000. All Ayes
J. Licciardi asks if it is possible to earmark parks and recreation revenue for equipment.
K. Benoit explains that it would need to be done by resolution.
J. Licciardi would like to increase the Council stipends by $3,000 per Council member for a total of $15,000. He also thinks that the portion of the Council stipend paid by the Sewer Department should be increased to 20%.
M. Dennison does not support the increase.
D. Gosselin proposes increasing it $2,000 per member for a total of $10,000.
M. Williamson doesn’t support an increase, especially if they are reducing other departments.
J. Messier suggests making it a separate ballot question.
D. Gosselin agrees. He thinks the voters should decide.
MOTION made by J. Licciardi, seconded by J. Messier to increase the Council stipend budget from $26,000 to $41,000.
J. Messier – Yes
J. Licciardi- Yes
M. Dennison – No
M. Williamson – No
D. Gosselin – Yes
MOTION PASSES
J. Licciardi asks about the seasonal events line item. He cannot justify $23,000 for seasonal events. He suggests reaching out to local businesses to sponsor the events.
L. Swanson has asked for the line item to assist with seasonal events and the summer concerts.
MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by J. Messier to reduce the seasonal events line from $23,000 to $12,500.
VOTE:
J. Messier – Yes
J. Licciardi- No
M. Dennison – Yes
M. Williamson – Yes
D. Gosselin – Yes
MOTION PASSES
Discussion ensues relating to a proposed Senior Tax Exemption increase.
T. Oates, of 6 Colonial Way, supports the Town Council stipend increase. The Council spends many hours doing a thankless job.
There was no further public comment.
D. Gosselin noted for the record that the school has asked for a 0% increase.
Next hearing is scheduled for April 9, 2024 at 6:00 P.M.
G. Adjournment
MOTION made by J. Messier, seconded by J. Licciardi to adjourn the meeting at 7:44 P.M.
All Ayes
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah S. Rapose, CMC
Town Clerk