Council adopts lower sewer user charges, approves FY2027 levy and authorizes $71 million bond process

The West Warwick Town Council on June 2 adopted Ordinance 2026‑5, which amends Chapter 15 to reduce certain annual sewage-system user charges, and approved the FY2027 tax levy resolution.

Kristen, the finance presenter, told council that current-year tax collections total $69,294,946.35 and prior‑year collections are about $940,596 (78% of budget). She said revenues are running at roughly 97.24% of expected levels 11 months into the fiscal year and that state aid and other receipts had offset parts of the increased budget. Councilors discussed how meter-based billing affects well users; one member noted that metered well users submit readings and thus do not always pay a flat rate.

Council then approved the FY2027 tax levy resolution by voice vote. Staff described the levy as resulting in a 3.94% rate increase, with average taxpayer impact figures provided during the presentation.

Separately, the council voted to authorize town staff to begin the bond issuance process under a resolution allowing up to $71 million in general obligation bonds and a bond anticipation note to start financing school construction and related projects. Karen Grande, town bond counsel, prepared the draft resolution and the council authorized town leadership to proceed with standard bonding steps.

Members said the bond authorization is a procedural action to permit staff to engage underwriters, counsel and other vendors as the project moves into financing; final bond issuance details will return to the council for approvals required by local law.

Councilors also received a routine monthly finance update noting the civic center’s operating expenditures and revenues, projected overages in public works and fire due to winter storms, and ongoing FEMA discussions regarding reimbursement for February blizzard expenses.