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Woonsocket council adopts FY2026 budget, approves 5.5% levy increase after amendments
Summary
The Woonsocket City Council on June 2 approved the fiscal 2026 appropriation ordinance as amended, increasing the city tax levy and adding contingency funding after protracted debate and a package of targeted changes.
The Woonsocket City Council on Monday approved the city ppropriation ordinance for fiscal year 2026 after adopting an amendment that raised the levy above the mayor nd administration—ap.
The amended appropriation (25 O 26) passed on a 6-0 roll call after Councilman Kenoyer offered a consolidated amendment that added two police positions, restored a solid-waste stipend, eliminated an economic development position, increased the school appropriation by $150,000 and boosted contingency funds. Councilman Kenoyer said the amendment increases the levy from the mayor's proposed $54,000,004.83 to $55,000,002.76, a net levy increase of $793,732.
The amendment also requires approval by the General Assembly because it raises the levy above the 4% cap. Mayor Chris Beauchamp said he had initially sought to stay under the cap but concluded the city must exceed it to avoid deeper shortfalls, and he supported the council action. "After reconsidering some of the talks that we've had ... we do have to go over the cap," the mayor said.
Why it matters: Council members repeatedly said the city is facing structural shortfalls traced to prior administration accounting and unresolved tax appeals. The council increased contingency to $967,837 from the mayor's $400,000 proposal to absorb expected liabilities and appeals.
Key details: The amendment restores two police officer positions the mayor's budget had not funded, adds $15,600 to cover a contractual parks superintendent stipend tied to solid waste, eliminates an $85,000 economic development salary line and increases the school department appropriation by $150,000. The residential tax rate moved from the proposed $11.11 to $11.28 per $1,000 of assessed value; the commercial rate moved from $21.00 to $21.35. Councilman Kenoyer said the city is budgeting to collect 98.35% of the levy.
Council reaction and context: Council President Dan Gendron and other members framed the vote as a reluctant response to prior budget practices. "The chickens have come home to roost," Councilman Kenoyer said, attributing the current squeeze to earlier fiscal decisions. Councilwoman Sierra and others said the increase is painful but necessary given pending liabilities and contract obligations.
Next steps: The council directed a short special meeting to approve a resolution asking the Rhode Island General Assembly to permit the levy increase; the mayor and city solicitor will draft that resolution for the council's vote.
Votes: The amendment passed 6-0 and the main appropriation ordinance as amended (25 O 26) passed 6-0. The council then approved related tax-assessment and collection ordinances and several fund appropriations on unanimous votes.
