Warwick council asks state for authority to hold special election on $50 million school bond

The Warwick City Council voted to ask the Rhode Island General Assembly for permission to put a $50 million bond question before city voters to cover construction overruns on two new high schools and, if any funds remain, to pay for citywide recreation and athletic facilities.

The request, submitted as draft legislation to the General Assembly, would let the city finance construction, renovation, landscaping, equipment and related costs for "two new high schools and on-site athletic fields, and recreation and athletic facilities throughout the city," and would authorize the issuance of bonds and notes if voters approve the question at a later special election.

Mayor Picozzi told the council the request is a contingency. "I requested that city council consider this because we're at a point where we know the schools currently can't be built for $350,000,000," he said, adding…