The Newport City Council voted unanimously to commit $2,918,809 to complete Rogers High School at its final meeting of the 2022-2024 term on Nov. 13. The decision came after extensive debate on funding sources and potential impacts on the city’s finances.
City Manager Colin Kennedy presented five options for funding the project, including using bond proceeds, general fund reserves, or a combination of sources. Council members expressed concerns about depleting reserves and the potential impact on the city’s AA+ bond rating.
“We’re currently at $28 million as of our last report date,” said Finance Director Jim Nolan, referring to the city’s reserve fund balance. He cautioned that using more than $2 million from reserves could negatively affect Newport’s bond rating.
However, other council members and city staff emphasized the urgent need for the funding commitment. Joe DeSantis, Director of Project Management for Downs Construction, explained, “We need the obligation because contractually with Gilbane we have to, if we provide them with more scope of work, we have to match the funding based on their contract.”
The council ultimately approved a motion to commit the funds without specifying the source, allowing flexibility for future decisions on funding allocation.
Further reading
New Rogers High School 70% complete, City Council weighs final funding
In a related matter, the council debated and approved a three-year lease for additional office space at 449 Thames St. The administration initially proposed a five-year lease, but council members negotiated for a shorter term to maintain flexibility.
Trish Reynolds, Newport’s Director of Planning and Economic Development, explained the need for the space: “We have the short-term rental officer who’s sitting in a tiny little desk in a different office where he’s called the renter, and he needs to kind of get out and get back into his department. We have a new housing planner that’s starting, and I’m going to have to put them in the hallway.”
The council also addressed several other items:
- Approved the 2024 City Council meeting dates.
- Approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to sign a quitclaim deed and tax stabilization agreement for property at 0 Church St.
- Awarded contracts for masonry repair at Innovate Newport and roof replacement at Martin Recreation Center.
- Approved the purchase of a CMC 75L lift for the Department of Public Services.
- Authorized matching funds for an EDA grant to upgrade stormwater infrastructure in the North End.
The meeting marked the end of terms for Councillors Angela Lima and Mark Aramli. Both were honored with resolutions recognizing their service to the city.
Lima, who served for six years, reflected on her time on the council: “I am extremely honored to serve as a representative for the First Ward. In my time, I’ve been so grateful to see, to do some good work, but also work with some incredibly talented policymakers.”
Aramli, who served for two years, encouraged civic engagement: “I really want to say to anybody out there, any citizens who care about the city like getting involved in the city. Choosing to run for City Council and getting involved is incredibly rewarding.”
Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong, chairing his last meeting before handing over to Mayor-elect Charlie Holder, highlighted the council’s accomplishments: “From the Transportation Master Plan to the strategic Plan, to massive restructuring of government, to have what is probably the most powerful resiliency and sustainability director in the state, a new city manager, tax breaks for our residents, nearly 300 units of housing in the pipeline, over $40 million in state and federal funding and Newport being a leader in policy and thought in the entire state.”
The entire 1-hour and 29-minute meeting can be watched here.
