Coventry council adopts budget amid debate over nonunion raises

The Coventry Town Council approved the municipal budget for the coming year after several council members debated whether to cut or retain nonunion employee raises.

Councilman Pasqua urged the council to keep the previously budgeted 3% increase for nonunion employees, arguing cuts would disproportionately affect long-tenured municipal staff. “I don't want our citizens to lose the service that they provide, and I want to show them that we appreciate them and give them what I feel they deserve for a minimal cost,” Pasqua said during council debate. Other council members, including Vice President Verducci and Councilwoman Capaldi, expressed support for restoring the originally planned 3% for nonunion staff, noting many town employees live in Coventry and that the town budget is intended to reflect the council’s policy priorities.

Public comment included Luke Murray, who said he supports the board and “is in favor of the 1.48% increase as it sits” and urged the council not to cut nonunion raises. The council discussed process issues and agreed that some policy decisions should be decided earlier in the budget cycle so the council can more explicitly set vision and priorities prior to staff preparing detailed proposals.

After discussion and an amendment incorporated from the prior week, the council voted to approve the budget resolution (Resolution 2025-49 as amended). The clerk recorded five affirmative votes and no negatives; Council members present explained the vote as supporting essential services and fiscal responsibility.

Council members also asked for future planning sessions so elected members can set policy direction earlier in the process rather than debating detailed personnel decisions during final budget votes. Staff will proceed with the adopted budget and implement the appropriations as approved.