Council approves design funds for Hilldale Estates drainage project; full cost estimated about $3 million

The Smithfield Town Council approved a contract encumbrance June 16 to fund phase‑1 design of drainage improvements for Hilldale Estates, authorizing design work under a Rhode Island Master Price Agreement not to exceed $212,000 and noting the town may borrow to fund construction.

Gene Allen, director of public works, said the town has completed hydraulic and feasibility studies and that the selected approach balances potential permitting constraints. Allen estimated the full project — design plus construction and property acquisition if needed — could be about $3,000,000. He said negotiations are underway with a directly affected neighbor and the town would not issue a notice to proceed until those negotiations and any required acquisition approvals are complete.

Councilors asked whether the design expense belonged in the operating budget versus capital; Allen said the item was placed in the current year’s budget to allow encumbrance and avoid borrowing more in future years. Tom Hutchins, a resident, questioned why the design was included in operating expenses and urged clarity on where the funding will come from.

Council accepted the staff recommendation to encumber funds with the understanding that any property acquisition and final construction contract would return to the council for approval.

Next steps: complete negotiations with the neighbor, finalize the design scope, and return to council for a notice-to-proceed and any acquisition ordinances if necessary.