Westerly Town Council reviews budget as community organizations share successes

The Westerly Special Town Council Meeting on April 16, 2025, highlighted significant community support initiatives, with local organizations expressing gratitude for town subsidies that enable vital services.

Ruth J. Turkova, representing the Ohlins Centre, thanked the council for their ongoing support, emphasizing the importance of a part-time nurse who assists individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Turkova noted that the subsidy helps cover essential, unfunded hours of care, allowing the center to expand its vocational team from one to three staff members over four years, enhancing their ability to help clients find employment.

Lee Eastbourne, executive director of the Johnnycake Centre, celebrated the center's 50th anniversary and shared impressive statistics from the previous year. The center served over 2,500 individuals, distributed 204,000 meals, and provided significant financial assistance to local households. Eastbourne highlighted that 82% of their clients are from Westerly, underscoring the importance of the town's financial support in sustaining their operations.

Paula Brulette, a finance board member, reiterated the board's unanimous support for the town's budget and discussed ongoing efforts to improve the capital process for maintaining town facilities. She emphasized the need for a strategic approach to balance maintenance with new community needs.

The meeting concluded with a call for community engagement, as the council continues to prioritize support for local organizations that play a crucial role in the welfare of Westerly residents.