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

 

WEST WARWICK TOWN COUNCIL

Town Council Budget Public Hearing #1

Town Council Chambers

March 31, 2026

6:00 P.M.

 

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YOUTUBE LINK (VIEW ONLY):  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGK1k6co83ptCoD6hYWSMxA

 

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 6:51 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 FY2027 (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027) Municipal Budget

 

Town Manager Mark Knott reviewed the FY2027 proposed municipal and school budgets, noting that the Council had completed two Budget Workshops prior to the Public Hearing.

Key highlights included:

 

·       Total proposed budget increase of approximately $6.5 million

·       Approximate 4.0% levy increase and 4.05% tax rate increase

·       Elimination of most capital expenditures

·       Increase in debt service due primarily to the school bond

·       Planned use of $1.5 million in fund balance

·       Continued uncertainty related to state budget adoption and aid levels

 

Finance Director Kristen Benoit provided updated figures reflecting adjusted assessed values, resulting in a slight reduction in the projected tax rate while maintaining the same budget totals.

 

Superintendent Karen Tarasevich presented the proposed FY2027 School Department budget in the amount of $79,667,753, representing an increase of 2.3% over FY2026.

 

Key points included:

·       A requested $500,000 increase in local appropriation

·       Reductions totaling more than $3.3 million, including staffing, substitutes, transportation, and charter/CTE tuition

·       Significant financial pressure from out‑of‑district special education and DCYF tuition, currently $88,478 per student

·       Continued uncertainty surrounding state aid levels

·       Planned staffing shifts associated with the opening of the Payan Street School and future Quinn Elementary School

 

Council discussion focused on maintenance‑of‑effort requirements, unfunded mandates, tuition volatility, and coordination with state officials.  It is determined that the School department is willing to reduce their request by $500,000 until their state aid amount is determined. 

 

*Councilman Messier leaves the meeting at 7:07 P.M.

 

MOTION made by M. Williamson, seconded by M. Dennison to move $500,000 from the School Department appropriation line to the Fund Balance to be earmarked pending final state aid determination.              All Ayes

 

Additional departmental adjustments were reviewed and approved, resulting in a net budget decrease of $33,890, including:

·       Addition of a part‑time Minimum Housing/Building Official position (24 hours/week)

·       Holding a vacant Parks Department position unfilled

·       Reduction to seasonal events funding

·       Increase to Pawtuxet River Authority dues

 

MOTION made M. Williamson, seconded by J. Licciardi to not fill the vacant position in the Parks and Recreation Department for a savings of $77,795, addition of a part-time employee in the Building Office in the amount of $48,405, removal of $6,000 from the seasonal event budget, and additional $1,500 to the Pawtuxet River Authority line item.              All Ayes

 

Don Cote, of 94 Shippee Avenue, spoke regarding the financial burden of property tax increases on residents, particularly seniors and working families. He urged the Council to prioritize affordability and consider the impact of tax increases on fixed‑income households.

 

Council members responded, stating that the effect on taxpayers is a central consideration in budget deliberations and emphasizing the lack of discretionary spending flexibility due to mandated costs.

 

Derek Read, of 19 Peters Lane, raised concerns regarding solid waste collection performance, contract enforcement, environmental impacts from leaking trucks, and the need for improved oversight and planning for future waste contracts.

 

The Town Manager and Council President acknowledged ongoing issues with service delivery, explained constraints related to landfill operations and procurement timelines, and stated that earlier bid solicitation would be pursued in future contract cycles.

 

Council members discussed:

·       The challenge of balancing service levels with taxpayer burden

·       Long‑term impacts of unfunded state mandates

·       Infrastructure underinvestment and capital funding limitations

·       Contract oversight and service accountability

·       The importance of transparency throughout the budget process

 

Upcoming Budget Hearings

 

The Council announced:

·       Second Budget Public Hearing: April 7, 2026 at 6:00 P.M.

·       A third hearing to be scheduled only if necessary

 

G.        Adjournment

MOTION made by J. Licciardi, seconded by M. Dennison to adjourn the meeting at 8:08 P.M.

                                    All Ayes

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah S. Rapose, MMC

Town Clerk