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Council adopts resolution opposing state OPEB mandate and reallocates unexpended ARPA funds
Summary
The Warren Town Council adopted a resolution opposing a state bill that would mandate 100% actuarial funding of OPEBs, citing potential major costs (council referenced a $500,000 estimate), and approved reallocation of $288,000 in unexpended ARPA funds among roads/infrastructure, revenue replacement and wastewater repairs.
The council unanimously adopted a resolution opposing a state legislative proposal (transcribed as 'House Bill 73 69' in the meeting) that would require municipalities to fund other post‑employment benefits (OPEBs) at 100% of actuarial levels and to submit funding plans to the auditor general. The chair read the resolution and councilors debated the fiscal implications, with one councilor referencing an estimate that full compliance could cost the town about $500,000.
After discussion the council voted to express formal opposition and asked the general assembly not to enact the bill. Several members said they supported having a long‑term plan for OPEBs but opposed a one‑size‑fits‑all mandate that could impose outsized costs on small towns.
Separately, the manager and finance director presented a proposal to reallocate $288,000 in unexpended, obligated ARPA funds to three items: $100,000 for road/avian and infrastructure improvements, $158,000 for revenue replacement in the current fiscal year, and $30,000 for wastewater treatment plant dewatering valve/line repair. The council approved the ARPA reallocation motion.
Next steps: the council’s resolution opposing the state bill will be transmitted to the General Assembly; finance staff will implement the ARPA reallocations and report on the execution of those projects.
