Town manager previews budget schedule, public-safety complex timeline and waterfront work

Town Manager Ralph told the council he will present the proposed FY2026 budget at the council meeting on Monday, March 10, with a daylong administration-department budget workshop planned for March 18 and a public hearing scheduled for April 21.

Ralph provided a preliminary timeline for a proposed public-safety complex: 9 to 12 months for schematic design work, public bidding in early 2026, and construction beginning in summer 2026 for the new complex followed by construction of the Wickford Fire Station in late 2026. He said retaining land in Quonset Business Park for the site would require future council approval and that staff and financial advisers are working on a financing schedule to time debt drawdowns and Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) reimbursement to reduce taxpayer impact.

Ralph also updated the council on the Woodward waterfront project, saying the contractor will remove sheet piles over the next two to four weeks and will work on the parking-lot interior and removal of metal pilings and fencing to improve aesthetics ahead of spring and summer. He reported regular meetings with Revolution Wind on the offshore wind farm project and noted additional onshore substation activity being coordinated with public-safety and public-works staff.

Ralph said the town received another Learn365 grant to support Math Matters RI programming and out-of-school learning, and highlighted recreation hiring and upcoming events including summer camp registration and a radio Easter egg hunt in April. He thanked staff for outreach to RIDOT on multiple road, bridge and sidewalk projects.

Ending

Ralph said staff will return with more detailed financing and implementation plans for the public-safety complex as budget deliberations proceed; he invited residents to the upcoming budget presentation and public hearings.