Town Manager Report for the week ending May 2, 2025
On Monday Council leadership and I met with several members of our Coventry Statewide delegation to discuss several important topics both at the state and local level. We briefed the delegation on the audit, FY 26 Budget, sanitation trucks, the school deficit, the re-opening of Briarpoint Beach, the renovations to the Tiogue Lake gatehouse, the high school sewer line installation, and the Annex project. The discussion was very productive and we hope to continue it on a regular basis.
On Tuesday night we had our first public hearing on the FY 26 Budget. We had several residents in chambers asking very thoughtful questions and also some participation on Zoom. This FY 26 Budget proposal is a very responsible step in moving the Town forward. It includes the purchase of 3 new sanitation trucks, the re-opening, paving, and part time staffing of Briarpoint Beach, the continuation of the Pave It Forward program throughout all 5 districts, and fully funding the School department and the deficit reduction plan. The tax increase we are projecting, the final numbers won’t be in until mid to end of May is an increase of 1.6%. On a $400k home the increase is around $100.00 or approximately $9.00 a month.
On Wednesday we had our bi-monthly Traffic Safety meeting led by the soon to be retired Chief Heise-he has officially announced he will be retiring after 29 years on the force on June 30, 2025. We want to congratulate and thank him for his years of dedicated service to the residents of Coventry in various capacities including being our EMA Director.
On Saturday May 3, 2025 at 1000 am we will be having our 2nd public budget hearing. If you have any questions please stop by or hop on virtually. On Tuesday May 6, 2025 at 600pm we will have our Budget Adoption meeting.
Finally, on Sunday May 4 from 1000-400 the Nathaneal Greene Homestead at 50 Taft St. will be commemorating the 249th Anniversary of R.I. Independence Day with demonstrations, readings, an honor guard and musket salute, and Tours of the 1770 National Historic Landmark Spell Hall, home of Gen. Nathanael Greene. All ARE WELCOME!!