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West Warwick council reviews proposed FY2027 budget as managers seek $6.6M increase, schedules hearings
Summary
Town officials presented a proposed FY2027 budget with an approximately $6.6 million increase driven by municipal costs, school pass-throughs and debt service; department heads outlined staffing and program needs and the council set two public hearings ahead of a tentative May 5 vote.
WEST WARWICK — The Town Council on Tuesday evening began reviewing the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget, which the town manager said would raise total spending by about $6,600,000 and include changes that could affect taxpayers and local services.
The town manager told the council the proposal includes “a little more than $4,100,000 in municipal expenses, $1,900,000 for school state aid pass through appropriation and a request to increase the school department’s local appropriation,” and flagged a proposed levy increase of roughly 4% — about $2.8 million — with an estimated tax-rate change near 4.15%.
Why it matters: The manager said rising pension, health insurance and other contract-driven costs are driving much of the pressure on the operating budget, and the proposal uses $1,500,000 of fund balance — including $1,000,000 to cover anticipated litigation costs and $500,000 to address the school department’s request — to balance the proposal ahead of the hearings and final vote.
Department overviews and details
The Fire…
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