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North Kingstown manager unveils $FY2026 preliminary budget with 3.43% increase; budget sessions set for March 18
Summary
Town Manager Ralph presented the preliminary fiscal year 2026 budget calling for a 3.43% overall increase, highlighted a $750,000 annual paving appropriation, larger library and Quonset Development costs, and projected a general-fund surplus of $18.2 million in 2024; council and public sessions are scheduled ahead of an April 21 hearing.
Town Manager Ralph presented the town's preliminary budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, telling the council the plan shows an overall 3.43% increase over last year and will go through council budget sessions on March 18 before a public hearing on April 21.
Ralph said the municipal portion of the budget includes a $750,000 appropriation for road paving (an annual practice), an 11% increase in technology spending and targeted increases in senior and human services. He said the proposed budget increases municipal expenditures by 3.4% and the town appropriation to the school department by 3.4%. He also noted a 33.6% increase in the library budget and an 11.25% rise in debt service.
"I hereby submit the proposed annual budget for fiscal year 06/30/2026," Ralph said while outlining next steps. He described the budget as "one of the most challenging" the town has seen, citing the state-mandated statistical revaluation, elimination of the motor vehicle tax exemption, reduced state aid to education and inflationary pressure on labor and materials.
Ralph said the town's unrestricted fund balance grew from $7.5 million in 2017 to $18.2 million in 2024, which he said will help time financing for voter-approved bond projects and manage the town's upcoming debt cliff. He encouraged residents to review the online budget book and attend the March 18 sessions and April 21 public hearing.
Councilmembers thanked the manager for the presentation and asked clarifying questions about projected tax-rate reductions, state aid, and the format for the public budget sessions.
