Newport City Manager Colin Kennedy provided updates on several key issues facing the city during his monthly one-on-one interview with What’sUpNewp on Wednesday, February 19, including upcoming water rate increases, progress on the new Rogers High School, and efforts to address lead in water service lines.
The Newport Water Division is set to implement a 17.5% rate increase, pending approval from the Public Utilities Commission. Kennedy explained that this is the first increase to operating and maintenance costs since 2019, despite inflation of about 24% during that period.
“We’re effectively losing ground to inflation with this settlement agreement,” Kennedy said. He noted that for an average household using 5,000 gallons per month, the increase would amount to about $10.62 more per month.
The rate hike is necessary to maintain service levels and keep up with rising costs, particularly for water treatment chemicals. Kennedy emphasized that the increase is not a “money grab” but the result of negotiations with the Public Utilities Commission to determine a fair rate for customers.
Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission to vote on new water rates for Aquidneck Island customers
Regarding the new Rogers High School, Kennedy reported that construction is on track for a certificate of occupancy to be issued before the end of June. This will allow for final preparations before students arrive in the fall.
“Much of the drywall is up, especially in the upper floors. The gym is complete. All of the apparatus is installed with the exception of the wood floor, but that’s going in in March,” Kennedy said.
He noted that after the new school opens, work will continue to demolish the old building and fill in the resulting voids. This phase is covered by existing project funding.
The city is also addressing the issue of lead in water service lines. A workshop scheduled for Feb. 15 will discuss the city’s plans to comply with a 10-year EPA mandate to replace lead lines.
Newport City Council will tackle lead remediation during upcoming workshop
Kennedy stressed that Newport’s situation is not comparable to the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. “The national action threshold is 10 parts per billion and our water is well below that,” he said. However, the city aims to achieve “lead zero” over time.
Initial efforts will focus on schools and daycare facilities, as children are most vulnerable to lead exposure. The city has offered filter pitchers to affected residents as a temporary measure.
Funding for the lead line replacement remains a challenge. “We haven’t identified the funding sources to complete that,” Kennedy admitted.
In other city business, Kennedy discussed the pending sale of bonds approved by voters in November. The city is strategically timing the bond sales to optimize interest rates and avoid unnecessary taxes.
“We’re trying to optimize, minimize the cost to the taxpayer,” Kennedy explained. He indicated that some bonds may be sold in the coming months to fund urgent projects like improvements to King Park and its bulkhead.
Kennedy also addressed the recent controversy over the placement of a speed camera on Ruggles Avenue. He acknowledged confusion between the City Council’s intentions and the police department’s actions. Removing the camera may be paused pending further discussion with residents about traffic safety concerns in the area. The camera is not currently issuing citations.
As the city moves forward with these and other projects, Kennedy emphasized the administration’s commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility. He encouraged residents to stay informed about ongoing initiatives and participate in public discussions on key issues affecting the community.
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