Councilor questions relationship between Development Agency and City during audit review

The Pawtucket City Council meeting held on April 9, 2025, addressed several key agenda items, with a significant focus on the annual audit of the Pawtucket Redevelopment Agency (PRA) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

The meeting began with a brief opportunity for council members to raise individual concerns, but no additional topics were introduced at that time. The primary discussion centered around Item G, which involved the PRA's annual audit. A council member expressed confusion regarding the relationship between the PRA and the city, questioning how the agency operates within the city's framework and its decision-making authority over public assets.

Concerns were raised about the transparency of the PRA's operations, particularly regarding its acquisition and development of public assets. The council member emphasized the need for public input in these decisions, indicating a perceived disconnect between the agency's actions and community involvement.

In response to these concerns, another council member suggested that the council compile specific questions to better understand the PRA's functions and its financial implications. It was noted that while the auditor could provide financial data, they may not be equipped to address broader questions about the agency's goals or operations. The suggestion was made to direct inquiries to the city solicitor's office for a clearer understanding of the PRA's role relative to the city.

The council agreed to gather questions and present them for discussion at the next meeting, ensuring that the issues raised would be addressed in a more structured manner. The meeting concluded without further items being brought forward, and the council members expressed their commitment to clarifying the relationship between the city and the PRA in future discussions.