1.  7:48 P.M.  CALL TO ORDER

 

       Present:   Pres. Duhamel, Vice Pres. Scialabba

                        Councilors LaPietra, Niemeyer, Healy, Van Dover, Aiello

                        T. Mgr. Lacey, Co. Clk. LeBlanc, T. Sgt. Falcone

 

        Absent:    T. Sol. Conley

 

        Also Present:    M. Davy, Assistant Town Manager

                                 Sara Hassell, Finance Director

 

 

 2.    Proposed FY2026/2027 Budget – Discussion and Possible Action

 

     Town Manager Lacey distributed and addressed a memorandum from Finance Director Hassell, dated April 17, 2026, regarding Town Council Changes to the FY2027 budget, which is attached hereto and made a part of the record of these proceedings.  He explained that the adjustments made by the Council resulted in a tax rate of $7.10.  He stated that the Council has an additional $60,000 to maintain the proposed tax rate of $7.10 or an additional $100,000 to maintain the current tax rate of $7.11.   

 

Motion by Mr. Aiello, Seconded by Ms. Healy, to allocate $100,000 in a Capital Account towards the Tower Street Courts. 

 

     Discussion was held regarding suggestions to increase the current collection rate of 97.9% to 98%, to increase the RTT, Meal Tax or Hotel Tax projected revenue, or to maintain the current tax rate of $7.11 and fund infrastructure with the additional funds.

 

A vote was taken on the motion and the motion carried.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

Motion by Mr. Aiello, Seconded by Mr. Niemeyer, that the $1,200,000 recommended by the Finance Board for State Grant In Aid – Revenue Account 01010014-405490 – Hotel Tax be increased by $40,000 to $1,240,000.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

Motion by Ms. Van Dover, Seconded by Mr. Healy, that the $27,500 recommended by the Finance Board for Restricted Programs Account 01011801-506670 – Entertainment-Tunes on the Dunes be increased by $1,000 to $28,500.  (Voted Unanimously)

 

 

 3.    CITIZENS’ COMMENTS

       

     When addressing the Council, please state your name and address; please conduct yourself in an orderly and respectful fashion.  Citizens will have up to five (5) minutes and one opportunity to speak.  The comments of citizens accessing this portion of our meeting are neither adopted nor endorsed by this body but heard as requested.  Comments shall be open to agenda items and any Town Government matter over which the Council has supervision, control, jurisdiction, or advisory power.  Other matters may be heard by a majority vote of the Council.

 

a.     William Mitchell, 47 State St – re: Replacement of Synthetic Turf Field; suggested funds be appropriated each year for future replacement; field needs to be maintained annually

 

COUNCILORS’ RESPONSE (Councilors may have up to five (5) minutes to respond to Citizens’ Comments, should not engage in discussions between Councilors, shall maintain decorum, and shall refrain from personal attacks and disparaging remarks.  A level of decorum is the expected standard.)

 

     Councilors responded to Citizens’ Comments regarding School Capital Funding and maintenance of Turf Field.

 

 

4.     ADJOURNMENT

 

        8:08 P.M.  Voted Unanimously to adjourn.

 

 

 

     Details of the aforesaid proceedings are available on audio on the Town of Westerly website.