Richard Langseth critiques Buttonwood Beach Association's deferred sewer payment plan

During the recent Warwick City Council meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding financial agreements involving the Buttonwood Beach Association and the Fire District. Richard Langseth highlighted a troubling financial arrangement where the Sewer Authority invested $4.2 million to construct sewers in the Buttonwoods Fire District. Of this amount, $400,000 was attributed to unforeseen expenses, while an additional $600,000 in costs was deferred due to the land remaining undeveloped.

Langseth pointed out that this deferral means the Beach Association and Fire District will not have to pay the $600,000, but they are still obligated to pay $400,000 in three years. He expressed skepticism about the financial viability of this arrangement, noting that the Beach Association currently has no income to cover these costs.

Moreover, Langseth criticized the city for what he described as "giving away" funds, referencing an additional $1 million that was allocated to the Beach Association and Fire District without a clear expectation of repayment. He emphasized the need for the city to be cautious in its financial dealings, ensuring that any benefits provided to organizations should have a mechanism for return or repayment.

The discussion underscored the importance of fiscal responsibility in municipal contracts and agreements, as Langseth warned that the city could face future requests for financial relief from the Beach Association when the payment deadline arrives. This highlights a pressing need for the council to reassess its financial strategies to avoid potential shortfalls in the future.