Financial Town Meeting Set for June 10

Though attendance at recent Financial Town Meetings have been scant in recent years and other communities, like South Kingstown, have ditched it, East Greenwich is set for its public meeting on the budget June 10.

The budget, approved by the Town Council last month, is a $59.8 million spending plan that includes a 2.19 percent increase in the school's appropriation.

Town Manager Thomas E. Coyle III in his budget message, said the goals for the year were to stay under the state-mandaded 4 percent budget increase cap, continue to support business growth and maintain financial stability, among other goals. 

This year, the budget includes increases to a few departments because of contractual salary increases. All employees will be getting a 3 percent salary increase.

Poke through the budget HERE to prepare for the June 10 FTM, which starts at 6:30 p.m. at East Greenwich High School.

The meeting will start with a call to order by Town Moderator James W. Patti, followed by presentations of colors and the pledge of allegiance, led by members of the East Greenwich Police Department, Kentish Guards and the East Greenwich Fire Department.

After approval of the minutes from last year's FTM, School Committee Chairman David Green will present the school budget and Town Council President Michael B. Isaacs will present the town budget.

The public will then decide on five warrant articles: authorization to borrow, authorization to apply for grants, appropriations for capital improvements at the Fire Department, adoption of the budget and finally, order to assess and collect taxes.

Warrant item no. 3, capital improvements at the Fire Department, calls for spending $96,500 to fund payments for a new Chevy Tahoe, oxygen generator and a automated electronic defibrillators at town buildings. It also would cover furniture at the station.

The school appropriation is pegged at $32.4 million and the total municipal spending plan calls for $27.3 million. 

The total budget proposed if $59,805,059.