During the North Smithfield Town Council meeting on January 6, 2025, discussions centered on the town's grant writing services, highlighting concerns about the effectiveness of the current grant writer and the potential for hiring a new firm. Council member Mr. Birgand expressed dissatisfaction with the current grant writer's performance, noting that while they have assisted with paperwork, they have not successfully initiated significant grants for the town. He emphasized the need for a more proactive approach in securing funding, suggesting that the council should issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to explore other options.

Birgand referenced a previous grant writer, Lisa Andoja, who had a successful track record, bringing in substantial funding for other municipalities. He advocated for the council to consider her and similar candidates when seeking new grant writing services. The discussion also touched on the procedural aspects of terminating the current contract, which includes a six-day cancellation clause, and the urgency of addressing immediate grant opportunities, particularly related to a generational facility project.

Council members acknowledged the need for a timely transition to avoid losing momentum on critical grant applications. One member proposed engaging a potential interim grant writer to manage pressing issues while the RFP process is underway. This approach aims to ensure that the town does not miss out on funding opportunities during the transition period.

The meeting underscored the importance of effective grant writing in securing financial resources for community projects, reflecting broader concerns about the town's capacity to meet its funding needs. As the council moves forward with the RFP process, the outcome will be pivotal in determining how North Smithfield addresses its grant funding challenges in the future.