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Resident asks why town paid $380,557 for turf before council recorded approval; council promises follow-up
Summary
A resident said the town paid a $380,557 invoice to FieldTurf before the council had approved the payment publicly. Councilors said they had authorized up to $500,000 for the project and pledged to have the town manager and finance officials clarify the timing and funding for the remaining $350,000.
A Westerly resident asked the Leslie Town Council for an explanation after learning the town issued a $380,557 payment to FieldTurf months before the council recorded public approval of the expenditure.
Robert Caradeo, a resident who spoke during the citizens comment period, said the town paid FieldTurf on March 15, 2024, but the council did not vote to approve that payment until June 3. "How in the world does a bill get paid 3 months almost before you guys approve it?" Caradeo asked. He also raised questions about the remaining $350,000 balance and whether the Wesley Public Schools, grants or other sources would cover it.
Councilors responded that the council previously authorized up to $500,000 for the turf project and that the school committee is responsible for addressing the outstanding balance. One councilor said there was no immediate evidence of misconduct but that the manager and finance staff would be asked to provide an explanation to restore public confidence.
Council members said they would request that the town manager, the solicitor and the finance director report back at the next meeting with documentation explaining the payment timing, the source of the remaining funds and any supporting agreements or reimbursements from external sources.
