FY 2020-2021 BUDGET MESSAGE FROM THE TOWN MANAGER...

The Town Finance Director and I have committed to providing a briefing for the Town Council on April 15th to address wide-ranging concerns and potential impacts arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. The brief is intended to inform the Council’s decision making as the municipal budget is developed. 

We are preparing a description of current and anticipated government, economic, and social challenges resulting from the spread of the disease. In order to ensure that our briefing provides as complete a picture of existing and emerging conditions as possible, I would like to invite members of the community to share their perspectives, experiences and concerns. While all comments are appreciated, detailed information and specific data that describes actual impacts will be most useful as we try to summarize the state of the local economy.

It’s important to know that no final decisions have been made about the Town budget. The preliminary budget adopted on March 23rd is a placeholder that could change significantly before the Council adopts a final budget. There are two public hearings scheduled for mid-April (April 15 and April 16). Under the budget process outlined in the Town charter, a final budget must be adopted by the Town Council on or before May 1st. Final adoption is currently scheduled for April 27th; however, given the extraordinary circumstances, it is possible that the Town might need to pursue new procedures or adjust the adoption date (but under no circumstances sooner than April 27th).

 Robert Zarnetske
 Town Manager
 (401) 601-8582
 rzarnetske@southkingstownri.com