Pawtucket City Council approves budget ordinance and addresses public safety concerns

The Pawtucket City Council convened on June 5, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including budget approvals and community concerns. The meeting began with a discussion on the fiscal responsibility of funding local schools, where a council member expressed concern over the city’s current deficit despite receiving $58 million in federal funding. The member criticized the council for a lack of accountability regarding the spending of these funds, emphasizing the importance of ensuring adequate resources for education.

Following this discussion, the council moved to Item 8, which involved the capital budget ordinance for 2025-2026. The ordinance was approved unanimously after a roll call vote, indicating strong support among council members for the proposed budget.

The meeting then progressed to Item 9, where the committee on claims and pending suits presented a claim for damages against the city from Denise Woodard, represented by Safeco Insurance Company. The claim, amounting to $2,338.80 due to a police collision, was also approved without opposition.

In closing remarks, Councilor Ruggio acknowledged the progress on the Elizabeth Baldwin Elementary School project, noting that it is on schedule and positively impacting the community. Additionally, he addressed ongoing issues related to loitering and suspected drug use in the Main Street area, thanking the police department for their efforts in addressing these concerns.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, reflecting a structured and productive session focused on both fiscal matters and community safety.