Town Manager Report for the week ending October 3, 2025
On Monday myself along with Finance Director Civetti, Superintendent Cowart, and School Finance Director DeVerna had our monthly meeting with the Auditor General’s Office regarding our current audit status, 5-year plan, and corrective action/deficit reduction plan. He was pleased that we are moving in the right direction on both the Town and School sides and has no concerns with us waiting to get our FY 25 audit complete in late November and some clarity on a couple of school budget items prior to us submitting our deficit reduction plan. The School finished with a surplus this year with some tough decision making and an increase in revenues so we want to see where that leaves us regarding the current deficit so we can address it over the next 5 years.
Also, on Monday after a long 2 year wait C.B. Brito began its work on the Coventry High School sewer line. The work has begun on Tiogue Ave in front of McDonalds and will continue southwest towards the intersection with Reservoir Rd. They will be working Monday-Friday from 700an-300pm and one lane will be closed so please plan accordingly if traveling in that area.
On Friday October 17, 2025 (rain date of October 18) from 6:00-8:30 pm the Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting its annual Halloween Spooktacular with a Trunk O’ Treat at the Town Hall Annex. The event attended by thousands of children and their families will include food trucks, entertainment, and lots of candy. Wear your costume, bring a bag and a flashlight AND let’s have some fun!!
On Wednesday the Town Solicitor resigned from his position with the Town and on Thursday the Council President resigned.
On Thursday the Town Council held a Special Meeting to address several items that were docketed from the last meeting to include a discussion on the termination of the Solicitor, discussion on a change of Council leadership, a discussion on the Town Council Rules, and an audit of invoices of the solicitor. The Council also approved a contract for Police Chief Witt and appointed two interim solicitors until a full-time person is appointed by the Council per the Charter. Congratulations Chief Witt!!
With the 2 vacancies we have advertised for those positions on the Town website and the Reminder (tomorrow) for appointment by the Council within 45 days. The Special Election for District seats 4 and 5 will be discussed with the R.I. Board of Elections. We will be trying to come up with a schedule that has the election process begin at the end of 2025 with the election itself in late January/ early February 2026.