Cranston City Council Finance Committee Budget Hearing - April 16, 2026

The Cranston City Council Finance Committee held a public hearing on the proposed FY2026-2027 budget on April 16, 2026, starting at approximately 7:39 PM and adjourning at 11:49 PM. The meeting focused on the mayor's proposed 7.44% tax levy increase and the financial challenges facing the city, particularly the school department. The committee heard testimony from school committee members, citizens, and representatives from police, fire, schools, and other departments.

Public Comments & Testimony

• School Committee Vice Chair Anthony Melillo (33 Harvard Street) presented "myths vs facts," stating that Cranston Public Schools reduced staff by 95 positions over the past four years (not added 100), and that over the last six years the city allocation increased by only about $1 million annually on average, which has not kept pace with rising costs. He emphasized shared responsibility for the budget challenges.
• School Committee Member Catherine Crowley (Ward 6) explained the school department's structural deficit, noting that the mayor's proposed $1.5 million increase is insufficient. She warned that cuts would lower education quality and deter new teachers.
• School Committee Member Keith Catone (61 Windsor Road) challenged claims of deficits, stating the school department only recorded a deficit in FY25, while FY24, 23, and 22 had surpluses. He argued that the city budget has been balanced "on the backs of the schools" and that transparency is needed to build public trust.
• Resident Valerie (last name unclear) stated that taxpayers have "nothing left to give" and urged the council to find budget cuts rather than increase taxes, emphasizing the strain on seniors and families.
• Councilman Steven Steikos (37 Ferncrest Avenue) observed that school funding increased only 4.3% total from 2024 to 2027, while fire and police funding increased 15.6% and 12.5% respectively. He also noted an $852,000 cash balance in the charter school account and suggested reviewing tax breaks for veterans and elderly.
• Resident Stephen Fryers (107 Garden Hills Drive) said the budget problem is a "failure in local government" due to over-reliance on one-time federal ARPA funds. He recommended spending cuts and not going above an 8% tax rate effect.
• School Committee Member Anna Madeiris (21 Bridgeton Court) shared positive stories of student achievements and urged full funding for schools, warning that deteriorating buildings and large class sizes hurt students.
• School Committee Chair Dominic Fusco (no address provided) noted that Cranston spends $19,950 per student, well below the state average of $22,800. He said the school department has "no choice now but to close schools, increase class sizes, cut programs."
• Local 1363 President Jonathan Francis (35 Fifth Avenue) defended the fire department, stating that a fifth rescue was added after 40 years and that the department faces 12 vacancies. He said minimum manning of 43 firefighters per shift falls short of the national standard.
• Seventh grader Sally Finkel (55 Roger Williams Circle) asked to fully fund schools to preserve middle school sports, which she said give students motivation and community.

Discussion Items

Police Department Budget (Chief Winquist, Director Strom)

• Proposed budget: $33 million. The chief described the budget as "bare bones" and stated that overtime budget of $2.2 million is aligned with historical averages. There are six vacancies; the department had to reduce vehicle purchases from eight to six due to cuts.
• Revenue projections were adjusted downward because previous years were overestimated (e.g., police detail car revenues were underperforming).
• The department is in contract negotiations; a contingency line item of $700,000 is included for potential contract costs.
• Council members questioned gas/oil budget adequacy ($12,500 increase) and the need for more police vehicles given high mileage. The acting director noted oil prices are speculative but assumed the Middle East conflict would not persist.

Animal Control (Chief Winquist)

• The shelter is handling more animals due to economic pressures; budget increase of $10,000 for care. Revenue from impound fees is projected lower due to conservative estimates.
• The department uses social media to promote adoptions; average stay is 4-6 weeks.

Harbor Master

• No current harbor master since previous one passed away. The city still collects mooring fees (~$3,500 last year without a harbor master). The council discussed whether to reinstate the position (stipend $3,500) or have police handle duties, but noted the net revenue gain is small.

School Department Budget (Superintendent Massey, CFO Balducci)

• The school department requested $4.2 million new city funding to meet contractual obligations (salary and benefits). The mayor proposed $1.5 million. The state aid increase is estimated at $2 million, but when accounting for a $241,000 reduction in non-public transportation support, net new state money is about $1.8 million.
• The school department has a budget savings gap of approximately $3 million (assumes $4 million city ask). If only $1.5 million is provided, the gap grows to $2.5 million.
• Cranston Public Schools has cut 95 staff over the last six years and laid off 40 teachers this year; about 12 will likely not be called back. Class sizes are already at contractual limits, and further cuts will increase class sizes and reduce services.
• The district spends $19,950 per student, well below the state average. Inflation since 2009 is 56-58%, but city funding only increased 18% over the same period.
• Health insurance costs have risen 15% and 10% in the last two years; the district is self-insured and part of a collaborative. A cumulative deficit of $9 million exists, but a new pharmacy contract is expected to generate $4.5 million annually to reduce it.
• Charter school impact: $7.2 million in FY25 in tuition and lost state aid.
• Discussion of selling former school buildings (Barrows, Waterman) to generate $750,000 one-time for capital needs, but that will not be available in future years. The city solicitor clarified the funds are intended for capital improvements, not tuition.

Fire Department Budget (Chief, Director Strom)

• Proposed overtime budget: $6.3 million (up slightly from FY25 actual of $6.073 million). The chief noted summer overtime is highest and 12 firefighters short, with vacancies due to contractual limits. Fuel costs are a concern due to global prices.
• There are 15 firefighters on occupational injury; seven are waiting for state pension board decisions. These injuries increase overtime.
• The department had to cut vehicle replacements; two staff vehicles are included.
• Council members expressed concern about accuracy of overtime projections given prior years' underfunding.

Fire Alarm Department

• Budget increased for computer maintenance and repairs (licenses increasing). No significant questions.

Canvassing Department (Director Lima via video)

• Proposed operating budget for elections: $215,000, the lowest since 2018. Savings achieved by reducing poll workers (from 315 to 270), cutting poll worker management software (delayed until federal funds available), and benefits from moving the primary to Wednesday (saving ~$25,000).
• The department faces increased voter registration transactions (23,822 in 2025) and security needs. Federal election security grant ($50,000) has been fully spent on physical security upgrades.
• Potential new state Voting Rights Act may require bilingual ballots, increasing costs. Director Lima noted that federal executive orders could impact mail ballot processing.

Law Department (Solicitor)

• Running under budget at 72.8% year-to-date. No provision for lawsuit settlements; the solicitor recommended budgeting a small contingency. Outside legal services are used for specialized cases and are negotiated at municipal rates (~$200/hour).

Executive Office (Director Moretti)

• Proposing a 0.75% increase (less than 1%), achieved by eliminating one administrative position and consolidating government affairs with communications. Compensation increases for 18 administrative appointees (totaling ~$45,000) were included, but the mayor offered to forego those raises if the council desires, reallocating funds to police vehicles.
• The mayor receives a $3,000 annual expense stipend (not monthly). Four city vehicles are assigned to executive staff; fuel and maintenance are charged to the police budget—a legacy accounting practice. Council members questioned this and requested transparency.

Key Outcomes

• No final votes on the budget were taken. The committee will continue deliberations in subsequent hearings, including a planned executive session regarding police contract negotiations.
• The council president noted that a 7.44% tax levy increase would require seven out of nine votes (four-fifths) per the city charter, and that nothing is finalized.
• The council extended the meeting twice by 30-minute increments to allow full discussion.
• Public comment was invited at the meeting's start and end; no online participants spoke.
• The meeting adjourned at 11:49 PM.