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Warwick council approves Feb. 3 special election on $50 million bond amid debate over timing
Summary
After hours of debate, Warwick City Council voted to place a $50 million bond and several charter amendments on a Feb. 3, 2026 special-election ballot. Supporters said the date preserves guaranteed construction pricing; opponents warned winter weather and low turnout could skew results.
The Warwick City Council voted to place a $50 million municipal bond and a package of charter amendments before voters in a special election on Feb. 3, 2026, after a contentious discussion about timing and outreach.
Supporters including school capital staff argued moving the vote later would risk losing guaranteed maximum price (GMP) hold‑periods that keep alternates’ pricing in place. "When we did our guaranteed maximum price, the alternates ... they're only gonna hold their pricing till June," said Steve Gothberg, director of capital projects for Warwick Public Schools, underscoring the administration's argument for an earlier vote.
Opponents warned that a February special election risks reduced turnout because of winter weather and compressed outreach time. "A special election on February 3 that probably very few people are gonna be aware of ... is not good," said Councilman (unnamed in transcript) who argued the date could disadvantage older and less mobile voters.
Council members deliberated whether to move the date to April 7; that amendment failed on a roll call. Council members in favor of the Feb. 3 schedule said the city must preserve contract terms and avoid monthly cost escalations that come with delaying contract milestones. "Moving it out 5 months just leaves the project in a state of uncertainty for 5 unnecessary months," said Councilman Gephardt during debate.
Administration officials described outreach plans including early voting (Jan. 14–Feb. 2), mail ballots and public notices. Chief of staff Bill Vicente said the Board of Elections set the available special‑election dates and that Feb. 3 was the earliest practical slot that met statutory deadlines.
What’s next: with the council's vote, the election is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2026. If voters approve the bond question, the council would follow with appropriation steps and bond issuance; officials said that process could take several weeks to months after certification. If voters reject the bond, the city and school officials must develop contingency plans and may revisit project scope and costs.
Action recorded: Resolution PCR131-25 (ordering the special election and placing the bond and charter questions on the Feb. 3, 2026 ballot) was approved by the full council by roll-call vote.
