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Newport council approves presenting $98.5M bond package to voters after heated debate over Almy Pond and Rogers High School allocations
Summary
Council approved an informational bond document describing an estimated $98.5 million package for voter consideration, after debate and failed amendments to reallocate funds toward Almy Pond remediation and concerns over Rogers High School and Maha Center line items.
The Newport City Council voted to present an informational bond document to the public describing an estimated $98,500,000 capital package for the November ballot. Manager Kennedy told the council the document is intended to give voters a clear idea of the projects the city would fund if the bond passes; he emphasized the figures are estimates and that each project will require future votes and adjustments.
The most contentious debate focused on several proposed amendments. Councillor Carlin proposed substituting a $5,000,000 allocation for renovation of the Maha Center with $5,000,000 directed to remediation and cleanup work related to Almy Pond. Public works staff warned the council that a full remediation would likely be far higher: Director Rob Schultz described a conceptual, order‑of‑magnitude placeholder of roughly $30,000,000 to complete comprehensive rehabilitation of Almy Pond and its watershed, and said smaller projects would not resolve the concentrated contamination problem.
Councilors also debated a $10,000,000 public‑facilities line item labeled variously for landfill remediation and Rogers High School completion. Manager Kennedy said estimates remain uncertain: preliminary work suggested perhaps $3.3 million might be left for the school itself and the remainder for landfill/soil remediation, but extensive soil testing is still required and totals could change.
Carlin’s motion to reallocate the Maha Center funds to Almy Pond drew a second but ultimately failed in council votes. Council then approved the informational bond document for publication and voter outreach, while retaining flexibility to adjust line items before final expenditures.
Other items: the council heard a solicitor’s summary of a settlement in litigation with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation that would bring approximately $125,000 in additional compensation to the city, and approved several routine licenses and consent items.
What happens next: the bond document will be publicized for voter information; detailed design, environmental testing and engineering remain necessary for Almy Pond and landfill remediation items and could change final funding needs.
