TOWN OF WEST WARWICK RHODE ISLAND 1170 Main Street West Warwick, RI  02893 (401) 822-9200 www.westwarwickri.org

 

WEST WARWICK TOWN COUNCIL

FY25 Budget Workshop

Town Council Chambers

March 18, 2024

6:00 P.M.

 

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AGENDA WITH ATTACHMENTS CAN BE VIEWED AT:  https://clerkshq.com/westwarwick-ri

 

 

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 6:04 P.M.

 

B.         Roll Call taken by Town Clerk

Councilman Jason Messier – Present (arrived at 6:09 P.M.)

Councilman Jason Licciardi – Present

Councilman Mark Dennison – Present

Council Vice President Maribeth Williamson

Council President David Gosselin, Jr.

 

C.         Quorum on Record Declared by Town Clerk

 

D.        Town Manager Overview of the Budget Process

 

M. Knott, Town Manager, reads the following statement:

 

 

E.         Budget Workshop – FY25 (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025)

           

The Town Council will hear the following proposed departmental budgets:

 

·       School Department

Karen Tarasevich, Superintendent, was in attendance on behalf of School Department.  The proposed school department budget is $74,954,698.00.  This is a 9.3% increase.   They expect a 1.27 million dollar increase from State aid.   They are not asking for any increase from the town appropriation. 

·       Building

R. Assalone, Building Official, presents his budget.  It has reduced overall. 

No questions were asked.

·       Tax Assessor

S. Saccoccio, Tax Assessor, explains that the only change to his budget is the re-evaluation expense. 

Discussion ensues relative to the timeline for tax exemptions.  Council asks this to be added to a future agenda.

·       Board of Assessment Review

S. Saccoccio states that there are no changes to this budget.

·       Planning

M. Shellman, Town Planner, presents her budget.  She explains that the comprehensive plan expires in six years.  She suggests putting money aside annually to cover this cost.  She has asked for an increase to her advertising budget in the amount of $2,000 to cover anticipated increased advertising costs.

·       Town Engineer

M. Knott explains that this budget was reduced too much last year.  He has adjusted it appropriately.

No questions were asked. 

·       Zoning

M. Knott states that this budget is level funded. 

No questions were asked. 

·       Personnel

S. Fournier, Human Resources Director, has only asked for an increase for postage. 

No questions were asked.

·       Town Manager

M. Knott explains that the only increase to this budget is due to the anticipated increase in health and dental costs.

·       Finance

K. Benoit, Finance Director, states that the Finance budget has been reduced overall. 

No questions were raised.

·       General Government

K. Benoit explains that there has been an increase in medical and dental costs for retirees. 

No questions were asked. 

·       Housing Board

There were no changes to this budget.

·       Revenue

K. Benoit, Finance Director, presents the revenues. 

S. Saccoccio, explains the changes in tangible tax revenues.   Businesses with under $50,000 in valued tangibles will be covered by state aid.  

·       Debt Service

K. Benoit, Finance Director, states that debt service will reduce by $15,000 in the new fiscal year. 

No questions were asked.

·       Street Lighting

No questions were asked. 

 

F.         Adjournment

 

MOTION made by J. Messier, seconded by M. Dennison to adjourn at 6:51 P.M.                        All Ayes

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah S. Rapose, CMC