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Newport task forces begin work on water and sewer rates and on fiscal practices
Summary
Council task forces on water/sewer rates and fiscal practices have begun regular meetings to assemble historical data and to evaluate whether rate increases are needed; the water/sewer group aims to recommend options before May 1.
The Newport City Council’s newly formed task forces on water and sewer rates and on financial reporting and fiscal practices have met and begun gathering data to guide near‑term decisions.
John Monette, reporting for the water and sewer task force, said the group met and will continue to meet on Thursday evenings to determine “whether and to what extent an increase in rates should be recommended for either water or sewer or both prior to May 1.” He said the committee is working to assemble historical reports and the specific information it needs from the city to analyze options.
Carter, reporting for the fiscal practices committee, said the group met and will continue with Friday meetings (with a virtual option). Carter described the kickoff as productive and said members with analytic experience will help translate systems and data. Council members noted both task force meetings will be recorded and posted (NAK TV was referenced for upcoming recordings).
Council and participants emphasized the need for timely budget and accounting information so the water and sewer task force can model rate scenarios and return a recommendation; a public commenter urged the council to vote the water and sewer budget so the task force has the latest figures.
Next steps include city staff providing the historical reports and data the committees requested and the task forces continuing their scheduled meetings with the aim of producing recommendations or options for council consideration before May 1.
