[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6473791,"mediaKeyId","5743432-2900b088416ec67ac4458cec66dc53c3","parentId",5743432,"title","Providence Water presents FY26 budget; committee approves ordinances tied to new rates","audioSeconds",479,"startMs",4030000,"endMs",4509000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5743432-2900b088416ec67ac4458cec66dc53c3&start=4030&end=4509","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5743432-2900b088416ec67ac4458cec66dc53c3/thumbnail_4030000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6473791/Providence-City/Providence-County/Rhode-Island/Providence-Water-presents-FY26-budget-committee-approves-ordinances-tied-to-new-rates","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6473791-2371b158855b5b1d7c1d536e8365bcb1/orig.mp4?Expires=1775344253&Signature=CZFUbLsrbb8NFM1YNWonMZgeh1wmOrNVy46EF34gvy374-Pxr3H~NsnmUhuNYy5sCJ7uWXG54Y3OOjFnjsG63co0XgCebmkxlHrUFRMVLumTAPe6koFH-F6yTGP4jBtyk5KDGpDU4haGE9qUbLAxt0sAtNTRDxJF2PUOhtIp3s7eMHnkm~GBLSJw8qcg4paumijJSmfqJvjP6-1s4N~dYBKaIOqbnXYpNeH9TwNvFLgdwCrhiYWVigorv56TE1xbk33dcKtv64ZW0v2-Ldmc3Yw6GCqrL1SFxCjZ8SNRWi2JqjbkzL7w~9aD2EQR6D6VGeAd9gpWmXH8TNrpzvEsZw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Providence City Council","date","2025-09-09T21:11:28Z","article","Providence Water officials presented a proposed FY26 budget to the finance committee on Sept. 9 and the committee moved to approve related ordinances. Sarah Laffrey, Providence Water director of finance, led the presentation with senior staff and described the utility’s revenue and expense outlook.

Laffrey told the committee Providence Water serves roughly 60% of the state’s population in the utility’s service area and presented a balanced budget based on rates approved by the Public Utilities Commission effective Aug. 1, 2025. The presentation listed projected operating revenues of $97,400,000 and described operating expenses and a set of restricted funds used for capital and other designated purposes. Providence Water officials said restricted funds include categories such as insurance, infrastructure replacement, meter replacement and sludge management.

The utility said salaries account for a significant portion of operating expenses (presented as roughly 36%) and that the budget includes an overall wage increase consistent with a negotiated union agreement (a 2.75% increase was cited in the presentation). The retirement contribution in the operating budget was presented as meeting the annual required contribution. Staff also described new and reclassified positions included in the budget packet.

Committee members asked about the lead service-line replacement program and coordination with city paving and public‑works schedules. Providence Water staff said they coordinate with the city and hold monthly coordination meetings to align water‑work schedules with paving and other street work. Members raised questions about sidewalks and coordination with other utilities; staff reminded members that 311 reports are used to trigger investigations and cross‑agency coordination as needed.

A motion to approve the proposed budget ordinances and related items was made and seconded; the committee voted in favor and moved the ordinances forward for the necessary follow-up and documentation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Providence Committee on Finance-Tuesday, September 9, 2025-5:30 PM","oneSentenceSummary","Providence Water presented a balanced FY26 operating and restricted‑fund budget built on new rates approved by the Public Utilities Commission; the finance committee approved the ordinances transmitting the budget-related changes.","taxTitle","Providence City, Providence County, Rhode Island","taxId",3637,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6473796,"Tanya Quezada confirmed to Board of Licenses after committee interview",436,3366000,3802000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5743432-2900b088416ec67ac4458cec66dc53c3&start=3366&end=3802","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5743432-2900b088416ec67ac4458cec66dc53c3/thumbnail_3366000.jpg","/articles/6473796/Providence-City/Providence-County/Rhode-Island/Tanya-Quezada-confirmed-to-Board-of-Licenses-after-committee-interview","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6473796-7d967e7abd57463f8ad2a06dd904a9c1/orig.mp4?Expires=1775344253&Signature=onjyreX-q4J~ippxudQA1VZsHotY6RBd85eWAeGGImt0c0Ff0D8dzkA3hPRi0pRaRsw9GdCa713RD0nNeYSvc59~a-RmHEKSrLQ4NfphJkGNPaSPz4QDjIQswZMj0Y7gxcwEJBoUUDhQ9RmmgUuyRtysVO8GIbuZQIb2E79jxgHRNjp27mMjD6IEQVGAYjudwogU79xDro6fuVvfaZYPihsr2~sqNg2CgmqZVGH2HgSkVPlGsmGk~tc0~-LwY-5ppJvANpdymycheg4BV~CYgcKhLnd0dc-RrfbE5ReMWRAz8KlwItmmR-fwwK8UAYPMkBHJWI2G9KsmeNADGsYPTw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The finance committee on Sept. 9 confirmed the mayor’s nomination of Tanya Quezada to fill an unexpired term on the Providence Board of Licenses.

Committee members asked Quezada about her nonprofit work with small businesses and any potential conflicts. Quezada said she had worked at Rent to Learn Providence and that, when a direct conflict arises, she would recuse herself and disclose the reason to the board. She told the committee she has been active in the city’s South Side community for more than 30 years and described experience working with small business owners and child‑care providers in matters related to licensing and insurance compliance.

Committee members praised her community service and character. A motion to approve the appointment was made and seconded; the committee voted in favor and reported the motion carried.

Quezada will serve the unexpired term set to expire Jan. 11, 2026, filling a vacancy created by a resignation effective Oct. 1, 2025, as stated in the mayor’s communication presented to the committee.","The finance committee confirmed Tanya Quezada to the Providence Board of Licenses. Quezada described her nonprofit work with small businesses and said she would recuse herself from matters involving organizations with which she has a direct relationship.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6473800,"Committee approves financing package to replace curbside trash and recycling carts, authorizes up to $5.5 million",1526,1852000,3378000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5743432-2900b088416ec67ac4458cec66dc53c3&start=1852&end=3378","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5743432-2900b088416ec67ac4458cec66dc53c3/thumbnail_1852000.jpg","/articles/6473800/Providence-City/Providence-County/Rhode-Island/Committee-approves-financing-package-to-replace-curbside-trash-and-recycling-carts-authorizes-up-to-55-million","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6473800-3fc48aaa8df95eb737cb6ac3e86ef1f3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775344254&Signature=Hs37SZ2xOQx0VYrONyusfpfhwutJcfbp6NgXJDwDSqL-WxzR4Qu6mh-656FIztuxOoM1T8bvzQYHsuHVsjPI0iId0XRevQz6tnccjH~s6FP8-4ckhIQUeQel2gkc5U82L~b3KvJqzQljMr13HMP0wpcepCX7xr7r8eaRmOT-c3qtL6BpKiITI9aGwYZqWmhl6uvRtsJKeTA2~7POk8GCL~cOZRAXK91j3qYdTNxUYDe~HqzEjSNU-RIiZXZjY5lWDuAX8IJCJOvB4va1oav-~cznaITza6X~S4UMoAVt5xImCuXvdZHMIMNmmkk58CDYDLkUAaDB5hZdwTD72J6PAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Providence City finance committee on Sept. 9 approved an ordinance authorizing the financing and appropriation of funds, not to exceed $5,500,000, to purchase and distribute new curbside municipal solid waste and recycling carts.

City staff told the committee the program will replace aging carts with 125,000 new 95‑gallon carts (62,500 for trash and 62,500 for recycling). The replacement aims to reduce recycling contamination, lower disposal costs, and reduce ongoing maintenance for broken carts. Staff said the current fleet is more than a decade old and generates significant repair work.

The financing package presented to the committee relies on a combination of low-interest loans from Closed Loop Partners and grant funding. Staff reported a term sheet that calls for borrowing approximately $5,168,000 in two pieces: about $3,177,006.92 at 0% interest (60 months) and about $1,986,057.69 at 3% interest (81 payments). The repayment schedule shown in the packet projects total payments across the term of roughly $5,290,022.74 and an aggregate interest charge of about $126,272.74 (an effective rate near 1.15%), as summarized in the term-sheet materials presented to the committee.

Staff said the city also secured grant awards that reduce the net cost: an EPA corporate grant of approximately $1,850,000 and a Recycling Partnership grant (described in the presentation as roughly $600,000 total, with about $375,000 earmarked for parts and education). The manufacturer selected through a competitive RFP will assemble, distribute and haul away old carts for recycling; the vendor will provide a credit for reclaimed plastic as part of its bid.

Other program details presented to the committee:
- Each residence will receive one trash and one recycling cart; households in multi-unit homes will receive proportional allocations (for example, a three‑family home receives six carts).
- The city will move from 65‑gallon trash carts to 95‑gallon carts for both trash and recycling to reduce overflow that contributes to contamination.
- The manufacturer offers a 10‑year warranty on the new carts. Staff said distribution is expected in a rolling manufacturing and delivery schedule; the vendor estimates 6–10 weeks to begin deliveries once production starts, with a likely late‑winter/early‑spring rollout to ensure sufficient delivery crews.

Committee members asked about a few technical items: the size of wheels (the vendor had piloted 10‑inch wheels rather than 12‑inch, a cheaper option), whether reclaimed plastic revenue was quantified (staff said they would look up the credit in the vendor proposal), and whether the carts are rodent/pest‑resistant (the bid specifies pest/rodent‑resistant construction; members asked staff to confirm additives or construction details to reduce rodent damage). The city’s law office and bond counsel reviewed the term sheet; committee members asked that counsel fees and any outside-advisor fees be disclosed to the committee.

A motion to approve the ordinance and proceed with the financing and purchase was made and seconded; the committee voted in favor and the motion carried. The committee directed staff to finalize contract documents consistent with the approved term sheet and present the final appropriation ordinance to the full council as required.","Finance committee approved an ordinance authorizing up to $5,500,000 in financing to buy and distribute 125,000 95‑gallon curbside trash and recycling carts, funded by loans from Closed Loop Partners and grants including EPA and Recycling Partnership awards.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6473804,"Joanne Ryan elected chair of finance committee in 3-2 vote",605,1252000,1857000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5743432-2900b088416ec67ac4458cec66dc53c3&start=1252&end=1857","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5743432-2900b088416ec67ac4458cec66dc53c3/thumbnail_1252000.jpg","/articles/6473804/Providence-City/Providence-County/Rhode-Island/Joanne-Ryan-elected-chair-of-finance-committee-in-3-2-vote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6473804-d262a3f70251dbc2b0ed07e95c680fbd/orig.mp4?Expires=1775344254&Signature=YmSICqPl4g33X9XeZvQ0gabfQSPTw42PJ4mI1RNTlb8hyHLe~drNUdQWgBQuPIrJbmPVDcuC8xNmIlbAPMjy65Y2PyK11h~Fy6DWPjPbE76OkXgAvKE3oQyGJN1umoRbfXfjhbFfoxn7-Aj1OSLibIQbOcHxHRaQTMryI32fJAtEtRjeEtGDjaSsZAs7-TTInWeR-7mcwaPxxwI5fFalqfXUB484cQJ1SY8UcovyBIzAdk9E23CxjxciSKOA2YRmOimi4HkCO-VzCyYcqjrYKk1QQIWlL~Y6Ycq0aUeu6YZMRY~JVj~~rEX6Z51Y6YyLDCj1TrGDvTgw1-ix4L5Tfw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Providence City finance committee elected Councilwoman Joanne Ryan chair on Sept. 9, 2022, following a short but pointed nomination period that concluded in a 3–2 roll-call result.

The vote resolved a contested nomination between Joanne Ryan and Councilwoman Graves. City Clerk was directed to record a roll-call ballot; the clerk reported three votes for Ryan and two for Graves, and cast a single ballot for Ryan as chair.

The outcome followed brief remarks from Councilwoman Graves, who said she entered the contest because “we have to hold on to our integrity” and expressed concern about behind-the-scenes influence. Graves criticized what she described as nontransparent backroom conversations and urged colleagues to “follow your heart.” Ryan thanked committee members for their trust after the vote.

The committee followed a nomination process in which members named candidates and the clerk conducted a roll-call. No other formal actions or secondary motions related to this election were recorded in the finance committee discussion.

The committee moved immediately from the election into the scheduled agenda; members acknowledged the matter concluded and proceeded with other business.

The council’s recording shows the matter concluded without additional direction to staff or further procedural actions.","The finance committee elected Councilwoman Joanne Ryan chair after a contested nomination; vote was 3–2 in favor of Ryan over Councilwoman Graves.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Providence Water presents FY26 budget; committee approves ordinances tied to new rates

Tanya Quezada confirmed to Board of Licenses after committee interview

Committee approves financing package to replace curbside trash and recycling carts, authorizes up to $5.5 million

Joanne Ryan elected chair of finance committee in 3-2 vote