EG Town Council Passes $62 Million Budget For FY18

EAST GREENWICH, RI — Council President Sue Cienki said the East Greenwich councilors passed a $61.9 million budget on Thursday. For the first time in 30 years, the spending package will not result in property tax increases. Cienki sent out a press release, which noted the Town has adopted a 'One Town' Budget, which reduces taxes, streamlines expenditures and strengthens East Greenwich's financial future. Most of the savings are coming from administrative moves recommended by consultant Gayle Corrigan's Providence Analytics.

"The precedent-setting adoption of the ‘One Town’ budget effectively reins in burdensome administrative expenses that previously jeopardized the town’s fiscal health and reverses the town’s 30-year trajectory
of tax increases," according to the press release. "The adopted budget is the product of a rigorous financial analysis and a comprehensive vetting process inclusive of input from town residents, Rhode Island’s Auditor General, town administrators, East Greenwich public safety and school officials, and financial experts from Providence Analytics."

East Greenwich residents have seen the tax levy climb 390 percent between 1987 and 2016. Property taxes in Town are higher than in Barrington, Smithfield, Portsmouth, South Kingstown, and Westerly.

"Determined to offset the rising costs of raising a family, paying for health care, and operating a household in East Greenwich, the Town Council has adopted an innovative strategy to municipal budgeting," the press release continued. "The ‘One Town’ approach brings together all departments and budgets, including the School District, to deliver a united enterprise that enables tighter management and financial oversight. Councilors have noted that the new cost saving measures are largely administrative and will not affect residents or services.

The town’s new fiscal year begins on July 1, 2017.