Council recommends 4% pay increase for town clerk, sets annual financial meeting; staff to pursue transfer of playground funds held at Rhode Island Foundation

The Little Compton Town Council took several finance and administrative actions and set dates for upcoming budget processes.

Compensation: The council moved to recommend a 4% increase for the town clerk’s compensation to the budget committee under the Home Rule Charter (section cited in the meeting as 5.02(b)(2)). The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Annual meeting date: The council set the date for the annual financial town meeting for May 20 and approved scheduling related to the budget process.

Playground funds: Councilors discussed charitable funds historically held for the town’s playground at the Rhode Island Foundation and said those funds currently appear to be in an account titled in an individual’s name rather than the town’s. Staff reported approximately $3,000 had been returned to town accounts; the town is working with the Rhode Island Foundation (contact: Wilson Brown per the transcript) to rename or transfer the account into the town’s name and to determine the steps needed to draw down or direct the funds toward playground use. Staff said they expect to report back within about two weeks with specific steps required to effectuate the change.

Other budget items and communications: The council approved a request to fund the East Rhode Island Conservation District for FY26 in the amount of $1,500. The council also appointed the town administrator as the point of contact for the State Transportation Improvement Program solicitation process.

Consent actions: The council approved the consent calendar and a motion to pay bills by voice vote before adjourning to executive session.