Newport High School, Higher Beach Fees On City Council Docket

NEWPORT, RI — The Newport City Council is set to take up several proposals Wednesday, including fee increases at Easton's Beach, this year's Fourth of July fireworks and plans for the new Rogers High School.

The City Council will also host a public meeting to discuss the fiscal year 2020-2021 budget. Members of the public are invited to attend and offer their comments on the proposed budget. Under the new budget, residential taxes would increase 2.9 percent, while commercial taxes would go up 2.94 percent.

During the City Council meeting, City Councilors will take up several items, including a proposed hike in bathhouse and parking fees at Easton's Beach for the first time in nearly a decade. The increased fees would bring in more than $120,000 for the city each year.

If approved, parking fees for residents would increase to $15 per day on weekends and $25 on weekends and holidays, while seasonal parking stickers would increase to $50. Additionally, full-bathhouse rentals would increase from $175 to $250 per season for residents. The full breakdown of fee increases is available on the City of Newport's website.

Also on the agenda is an update from Newport Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain on the plans to reconstruct Rogers High School, as well as awarding the contract for this year's Fourth of July fireworks.

Both the public budget hearing and the City Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. are open to the public and the full meeting agenda is available online, and the meeting can be streamed live on the City's website.