East Providence Budget Workshop - September 30, 2025

On September 30, 2025, the East Providence City Council held a public workshop to review and discuss the upcoming fiscal year 2025-2026 budget. The meeting covered presentations from the School Department, Community Development/Planning, Police Department, and Fire Department. Council members expressed broad support for the school budget and raised questions about capital funds, personnel, and contract negotiations. The workshop concluded with scheduling for further budget discussions and ordinance passages.

School Department Presentation

• Superintendent Dr. Faran presented the 2025-2026 district budget, which was passed by the school committee in early September. Key enrollment figures: elementary 2,123, middle school 1,073, high school 1,710, out-of-district and GED students 52, total 5,257 (up from 5,231 at the same time last year). Special education enrollment is 1,123 (21.3% of population), with 45 kindergarten students in self-contained classrooms.
• Out-of-district placements: 56 students placed by the district, 6 in foster care/DCYF residential (10 residential placements costing ~$9,000/month each), and 0 in craft (due to recent legislation).
• Personnel changes: reduced positions (grade levels, recess assistant, 7 paraprofessionals) and added positions (speech pathologist, reading teacher). Major cost increases: health care up $878,000, salary increases $3.1 million (contractually required), loss of $350,000 in federal funding.
• Total budget: $96.82 million, with $6 million for out-of-district placements, $7.52 million in transportation, $83.3 million in salaries/benefits.
• Facilities updates: Martin Middle School construction on track for December 1 move-in, Waddington renovations nearly complete, building management system installation started, various safety and capital projects completed. 2025-2026 priorities include Oldham roof repairs ($1.6 million), security vestibule, PA systems, paving, and other projects.
• Council President Rodericks expressed full support for the school budget, emphasizing the importance of teachers and staff. Councilman Lawson asked about remaining funds from the high school bond, noting a discrepancy between numbers ($2.8 million vs. $3.9 million) and requested clarification. Councilman Fogarty thanked the superintendent and noted the strain from special education costs and early release program savings.
• No public comments were made on the school budget.

Community Development/Planning/Economic Development Presentation

• Director Keith Burns presented a budget with a decrease of ~$89,000 (9%) from the previous year, mainly due to a vacant planner position not being filled.
• Council Vice President Rego asked about the outlook for government grants. Director Burns stated that no grants have been canceled so far, but future federal funding is uncertain, especially for environmental/resiliency grants; economic development grants are more hopeful. The city has secured about $30 million in grants over recent years.
• No further questions or public comments.

Police Department Presentation

• Acting Chief Rupoza and Deputy Chief Benoit presented. Staffing: 82 sworn officers. Two recruits currently in the academy, graduating in early January 2026. Eleven applicants proposed for the next academy class (January), with background checks in progress; realistically, fewer than half may be hired. Nine officers are eligible for retirement, which could strain staffing.
• Councilman Lawson raised concerns about vehicle purchases not relying solely on asset forfeiture funds, and the need for mental health resources for officers. He asked about the financial impact of potential arbitration if the city's proposed 0% raise in contract negotiations is rejected. The solicitor responded that the city would argue inability to pay based on the budget being at the state cap, but an arbitrator could impose an increase. Councilman Lawson expressed opposition to a 0% first year, stating officers deserve a fair contract.
• Council Vice President Rego praised the department's improved visibility and morale. Councilman Fogarty asked about morale, which the chief described as good despite negotiations, citing new station, fitness area, uniforms, and weapons.
• No public comments.

Fire Department Presentation

• Chief Michael Carey presented. Highlights: 12 new hires from a SAFER grant came on in January, with first reimbursement received. New apparatus (Rescue 3, Engine 4, Engine 5) in service. First-in-the-country non-PFAS fire gear purchased.
• Councilman Lawson asked about rescue run billing rates and mutual aid numbers. Chief did not have specific figures. Councilman Lawson noted the city loses revenue on mutual aid runs and suggested adding rescue hours could increase revenue. Chief noted reciprocity for billing with mutual aid communities.
• Council Vice President Rego asked about mental health resources; chief confirmed a robust peer support program.
• Council President Rodericks asked about dispatch staffing: budgeted for 11 full-time, currently down 3 (one retired, one left, one projected to leave). Application period closed, test on October 6, onboarding to follow. Part-timers also used to cover shortages.
• Councilman Fogarty commented on the importance of dispatch and the department's leadership.
• No public comments.

Key Outcomes

• Council members expressed general support for all presented budgets, with no opposition noted.
• A follow-up budget workshop is tentatively scheduled for the regular meeting on October 7, 2025, to continue if needed. Council President indicated no need to bring back additional departments.
• The city clerk must post the agenda by Friday, October 3, 2025, for the October 7 meeting. If any council members wish to invite additional departments, they must notify the clerk by that deadline.
• The Tax Anticipation Note (TAN) ordinance will have first passage on October 7, requiring two passages. The Assessment and Collection ordinance also needs two passages. The Budget Ordinance (one passage) can be introduced, with a technical deadline of October 25.
• Councilman Lawson moved to adjourn, seconded by Council Vice President Rego; all in favor.