[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6113362,"mediaKeyId","2745182-ef1e377d9e8d0bb6ebb76ffd4e87e99d","parentId",2745182,"title","Residents press council on school maintenance, senior tax relief, Post Road improvements and traffic safety","audioSeconds",774,"startMs",4346000,"endMs",5120000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2745182-ef1e377d9e8d0bb6ebb76ffd4e87e99d&start=4346&end=5120","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2745182-ef1e377d9e8d0bb6ebb76ffd4e87e99d/thumbnail_4346000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6113362/Rhode-Island/Residents-press-council-on-school-maintenance-senior-tax-relief-Post-Road-improvements-and-traffic-safety","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6113362-38a029a40eded4a7faedfe6c7563f8c3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771025691&Signature=OiorjPpAdI8BfWkS2OeHlZU74mFwBk9IgMYwYa7POAOa~rDFbpmkhUD56PwJ~gQNaoW~3vnAPBo7rWpdRJa9mS8e4pN6NjHkQwFZjOu43TrT48TogE-iwd4RkzXaiN6sReCrqcW-H~I0Z3sIAktis6d8gYuvYLSWZvtuuApW92XwAD-JHOgfT7-j-2CVDvVWOvrTVeFebdwIvVEvj6HUPJ4k8CpegCivNmTjU5T0JgoA0sMIgfkAaq-Y2z3-IXfxw06dFFezO7FFxwqM7aV3CJp-7HkR1z5ae2R5VVryQ5sk7RZ9Z0XIRrBpHxDIzwxPGY5kaG8LSO0tYsHGqsoW5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","North Kingstown, RI","date","2025-01-27T00:00:00Z","article","During the meeting's public comment period residents raised several community issues for the council's attention.

School maintenance and budget: Brett Mallory urged the council to increase school maintenance funding despite the recent bond, suggesting a quarter-million-dollar boost and noting available surplus funds. Mallory asked the council to revisit maintenance allocations across school buildings.

Elderly tax exemptions and proposals: Joseph Texara spoke about options for senior property tax relief. He said an exemption of $1,000 for approximately 2,400 senior homeowners would cost an estimated $2.4 million and warned it would require a large tax increase for other taxpayers. Town staff and councilors clarified that some changes to exemptions require legislation and that the council had submitted a legislative package addressing tax-exemption changes; officials said figures should be refined before action.

Post Road Business Alliance: Carrie Lanois, speaking for the Post Road Business Alliance, described the group's formation and work to encourage economic growth and aesthetics on Post Road. The group asked three questions: whether the state-funded sidewalk project is linked to other projects, whether the group can provide design feedback (curb cuts/crosswalks), and whether the town has a long-term maintenance plan for sidewalks.

Roundabout, traffic and cameras: Commenters asked the council for a scaled video and safety and pedestrian-crash data before deciding about a proposed roundabout and requested continued enforcement on high-speed local streets where children walk. One commenter raised concerns about privacy and vehicle-monitoring cameras and asked that the town avoid broad surveillance outside lawful public-safety use.

Council and staff responses: Council leaders said the legislative package on exemptions requires General Assembly approval and that staff will refine the fiscal numbers. The town manager said the school department and manager would provide monthly project updates and the manager will present the FY2026 budget on March 10. The council invited the Post Road Business Alliance to continue dialogue about design and maintenance.

Why it matters: Public comment surfaced competing priorities for limited local dollars (school maintenance vs. tax relief) and highlighted business and pedestrian-safety concerns tied to upcoming infrastructure projects. Councilors said they would pursue follow-up information and legislative steps as appropriate.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","North Kingstown Town Council January 27, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Public commenters urged more school maintenance funding, urged caution before changing elderly tax exemptions, asked for design input and maintenance plans for Post Road sidewalks, and raised safety concerns about a proposed roundabout and enforcement on a local roadway.","taxTitle","North Kingstown, Washington County, Rhode Island","taxId",79577,"location","Rhode Island","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6113368,"350th anniversary commission reports events, fundraising and a surplus returned to town",299,4338000,4637000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2745182-ef1e377d9e8d0bb6ebb76ffd4e87e99d&start=4338&end=4637","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2745182-ef1e377d9e8d0bb6ebb76ffd4e87e99d/thumbnail_4338000.jpg","/articles/6113368/Rhode-Island/350th-anniversary-commission-reports-events-fundraising-and-a-surplus-returned-to-town","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6113368-a7f6f639b2b83f3b483a8a28c8a6bbb6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771025691&Signature=BRQeWgAhag0k8vl6sqcID8ARNXQ3tuYb61smFsMHBCd-W5dKl~BFxpqoPY21YFRrw7XPcjYJIwF7sSrEfsPXTiTzmOpSv3~mjrpV8pq62bj7g98-Un2kywrbhzX2Yi0hS~yZB0wahK-1smlESzuxbqjBwmwDNVQnBqvenVdHt-bALFnw4ogqQxd4LF2XggPz9VCHlhhlqcZTs-FDUXoxumftw5tG-e8xY4miMmYEndz~kRzKRqPKaZHHeAjlWGKf8bHRLabBL51ZoeDAjOhX3tgLkKWSWa03avsrZvOd7Nb~AXRFXo4AF545Wof3PLkm9ZfY7w13aJSmHNUDfmwPew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town Council received a report from the North Kingstown 350th Anniversary Commission outlining events, attendance and fundraising tied to the year-long commemoration.

Mike Dunhill, who said he served as the commission secretary, recapped three headline events: a gala in April (about 350 attendees), a family day in late summer that drew roughly 3,500 people, and an October parade with an estimated 85\t60 participating units and more than 40 antique fire apparatus. Dunhill credited volunteer organizers, town staff and private sponsors.

Dunhill told the council the commission began with a $50,000 town appropriation and subsequently raised more than $100,000 in grants, donations and in-kind support; after expenses the commission returned about $30,000 to the community. He listed principal sponsors including Centerville Bank and Revolution Wind (each at roughly the $10,000 level) and noted many local businesses contributed in-kind support for the family day.

The commission also described legacy projects: planting a linden tree in each of the town's eight villages, producing a set of speaker-series events and creating an online history hunt mapped for self-guided tours. Commission materials and recordings of events were to be posted on the town website.

The council thanked the commission and several members stood for recognition; the governor issued certificates of special recognition that were to be delivered to volunteers and committee members.

Why it matters: The commission's work engaged thousands of residents, produced volunteer-built legacy assets and returned surplus funds to the town's coffers, illustrating private-public fundraising and volunteer capacity in North Kingstown.","The town's 350th anniversary commission summarized a year of events, said it raised more than $100,000 (including grants and in-kind contributions) and returned about $30,000 to the town.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6113373,"Council approves purchase plans for new pumper and breathing-air cylinders; expected two-year build time for engine",338,5007000,5345000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2745182-ef1e377d9e8d0bb6ebb76ffd4e87e99d&start=5007&end=5345","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2745182-ef1e377d9e8d0bb6ebb76ffd4e87e99d/thumbnail_5007000.jpg","/articles/6113373/Rhode-Island/Council-approves-purchase-plans-for-new-pumper-and-breathing-air-cylinders-expected-two-year-build-time-for-engine","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6113373-084605f817c513b742d3abada9e4c916/orig.mp4?Expires=1771025691&Signature=EJJp3lQeF83n8oL5E4eXG6GdahB-rFrogdQmEX-9A7THTwmesAkeB8O6n1U7LTTeufSl8Poz25IRN1M0e-Njc056RNC7tvbjQ0O2xGtgHlJ0pUaOt0AW1T2RyX7lFdP8Z9oF507rScIos4DJ4cLZ1Xlr7gGifiD2Ar~C0KbU3xAWsFl3korAM6hL2xu2lckILzhJcIuqxN4IcavRuhkoB709NcZHKxV8KIxWiVbSBWB-ZilJPlMAaoCfepPjQu-CVN3hxkZVqmgDtZ0wSJ1LGRhsXI0KRBom~OPdDRbfEnvBLNhy-KdycJAVhKYoBC1rHcBOuEVJOtDpUJ1I9wSrRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The North Kingstown Town Council approved procurement items including a lease-purchase funding plan for a new pumper engine and sole-source replacement of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) cylinders.

Interim Fire Chief John Linickry told the council the department has a multi-year apparatus replacement plan. He said post-2020 supply-chain constraints and workforce shortages at manufacturers have pushed price increases and extended lead times. \"In 2022, the cost of a new engine was $768,000; today that same truck costs $1,120,000.00,\" Linickry said, and he estimated a build time of approximately 24 months for a new engine.

Council discussion noted the department intends to press older frontline engines into reserve status as new apparatus arrive. Linickry said the department logs roughly 15,000 miles per year on the apparatus in service and expects to maintain the current engine while awaiting delivery of the new unit.

The council also approved a sole-source purchase of replacement SCBA cylinders through the manufacturer's authorized Rhode Island vendor. Staff explained cylinders have a 15-year service life, require five-year hydrostatic testing, and this year marks the scheduled replacement cycle for some units.

Votes at a glance
- Motion to approve consent calendar items 9 and 10 (vehicle/equipment purchases including a lease-purchase for an ambulance/pumper): passed (voice vote).
- Motion to approve item 11 (SCBA cylinder replacement, sole-source): passed (voice vote).

Why it matters: The equipment approvals commit the town to long-lead-time capital purchases and will affect capital and operating plans. The council acknowledged higher market prices and the operational need to maintain a reserve fleet while awaiting new apparatus.","The council approved lease-purchase funding for a new pumper engine and approved replacement SCBA cylinders; fire staff said new apparatus costs have risen and a new engine build takes about 24 months.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6113378,"North Kingstown council receives unmodified 2024 audit; town finance director reports stronger-than-expected balances",285,261000,546000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2745182-ef1e377d9e8d0bb6ebb76ffd4e87e99d&start=261&end=546","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2745182-ef1e377d9e8d0bb6ebb76ffd4e87e99d/thumbnail_261000.jpg","/articles/6113378/Rhode-Island/North-Kingstown-council-receives-unmodified-2024-audit-town-finance-director-reports-stronger-than-expected-balances","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6113378-58503543e99ab7e046297be448dc1669/orig.mp4?Expires=1771025691&Signature=m~oOulSyy2EWiZOJX3xUCev9hbquAOCFwDdc75R3YiRhiLGWUtJFAfQPhU2A~8SIk9NEOzPvn9-fuaDtTQUDB7nXj2AANhzIo61lE4zGnc-PrXOu~iQWI1OdFhpjs2iO0inL0urpZu5HktwxMoEpaAbsvr5~f-16Ldnq78e28Cf4GWE9NTVGhDAAHvey~XNsvB9-08XsokyReIkuoEhN1vzHnb0zp3AtlWk9Hrf15Y5bsQVTSGP0s1b3xnDYOVXAN~kJJQg-f-KrzU2lh4TpNj3MFT1OUWUKC-A6iz3ur5vBowY5hceV9C5jKvvRbJVq9v5yplquvItCtFlt41c7RQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The North Kingstown Town Council voted to receive and file the town's 2024 financial audit and heard a presentation from the auditor and the town's finance director about the town's fiscal position.

Markham auditor Kyle Connors told the council the firm issued an unmodified audit opinion for fiscal 2024, meaning the firm found the financial statements free of material misstatement. \"A lot of work goes into putting this together and having this ready for you and issued in January. That's a huge testament to the town finance department and the school business team,\" Connors said.

The audit and finance report showed the general fund's unassigned fund balance increased by about $2.6 million, leaving an unassigned balance of roughly $18.2 million, or 17.3% of the town's operating budget as of June 30, 2024. Connors said a 16?% range is generally viewed as healthy. He also reported that the town collected 99.2% of current-year property taxes and that general fund revenues exceeded budget by about $4.0 million, including roughly $1.4 million from stronger-than-expected property tax collections and $1.5 million from investment income.

On the school side, Connors said the school's unrestricted fund ended with an assigned fund balance of about $6.8 million (about 8.9% of the school operating budget) and that the school spent approximately $1.9 million in federal ESSER funds in 2024; those federal ESSER funds were not expected to recur in future years.

The audit committee chairman, Jeff Wadovic, told the council the committee reviewed the audit in detail and expressed confidence in the finance department's work and the audit firm's presentation. \"Kyle did a very good job of pointing out that the town is extremely healthy in three of the four pension areas,\" Wadovic said, and he cautioned lay readers about interpreting government-wide statements that include long-term pension and OPEB liabilities.

Connors identified one current-year finding categorized as a material weakness in the sewer fund: the fund was carrying future unbilled receivables as both an asset and a liability. The auditor removed both the asset and the liability and said the correction did not affect the fund's reported revenue or net position but was a balance-sheet cleanup. The audit report also recommended continued cybersecurity training and vulnerability testing.

Council and staff discussed pension funding and retiree healthcare (OPEB). Connors said the town's three town pension plans (general, police, fire) were each funded above 80%, while the teacher plan was funded at about 65%. The town's OPEB trust was funded at about 18.2% with a total OPEB liability cited near $14 million.

Following the presentations, the council voted to receive and file the audit report.

Votes at a glance
- Motion to continue agenda item 6 to the next meeting: passed (motion made and seconded; \"ayes have it\").
- Motion to receive and file the 2024 audit report: passed (voice vote; \"ayes have it\").

Why it matters: The unmodified opinion affirms the town's financial statements for 2024, the general fund's unassigned balance provides a multi-month operating cushion, and the single audit finding identifies a discrete sewer fund reporting issue. Council members and the audit committee noted those facts while urging continued attention to cybersecurity, pension/OPEB liabilities and budget planning for 2026.

The audit committee chairman said the committee will meet again with school staff on Feb. 11 and that the committee is available to answer council questions as the town prepares budgets this year.","The Town Council received an unmodified audit opinion on the 2024 financial statements and heard a finance director update showing growth in fund balances, strong tax collections and one audit finding in the sewer fund.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents press council on school maintenance, senior tax relief, Post Road improvements and traffic safety

350th anniversary commission reports events, fundraising and a surplus returned to town

Council approves purchase plans for new pumper and breathing-air cylinders; expected two-year build time for engine

North Kingstown council receives unmodified 2024 audit; town finance director reports stronger-than-expected balances