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Council asks Prudence Island School Foundation for detailed accounting before further civic support
Summary
The council requested itemized invoices and a listing of volunteer vs. contracted work from the Prudence Island School Foundation to justify roughly $50,000 annual civic support; foundation chair said there are currently no students and cited upcoming large repairs.
Councilors pressed the Prudence Island School Foundation on May 26 for a clearer accounting of civic support funds after members noted repeated annual payments of approximately $50,000.
Cathy Holman, chair of the Prudence Island School Foundation, confirmed there are no students currently taught in the building and said the foundation has continued upkeep and savings for large deferred maintenance items. Holman told the council: "We have several, large repairs coming up... the roof and the floor are insulated, the walls are not. Our well needs to be refurbished and we have a 45-year-old heating system." She said 41% of the foundation’s budget depends on civic support from the town.
Councilors asked for an itemized, invoice-level accounting that distinguishes volunteer labor from contractor payments and for a short-term plan identifying upcoming major capital work and estimated costs. The council agreed staff and foundation representatives should meet, collect supporting documentation and, if materials are provided by next Tuesday, place a review of the MOU on the June 8 agenda.
Councilors noted the 2019 agreement had allowed annual civic support as a cost-saving measure when the building’s use changed, but emphasized a fiduciary duty to ensure taxpayer funds are spent appropriately. The council did not vote to change the MOU at the meeting; it asked for an accounting and planned a follow-up review.
