The Barrington Committee on Appropriations — the group tasked with reviewing the municipal and school department budgets — is planning a new approach to the budget process this year.

Appropriations members will hold three neighborhood meetings over the next three months, informing the public on the numerous factors involved in Barrington's budget. 

Richard Staples, the chairman of the committee on appropriations, said he is hoping the meetings are well-attended.

The first neighborhood meeting will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 3, at Nayatt School inside the cafeteria. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. A second meeting is planned for Primrose Hill School on Nov. 14, and a third is set for Hampden Meadows School on Dec. 5. 

All three meetings will run as workshops, with the public actively involved.

Mr. Staples said officials are preparing reports to help with the meetings — the reports will detail the budget impacts, including such things as the cost of re-roofing the public library and the cost of repairing/replacing the Mathewson Road seawall. In addition, there will also be information about the contracts the town and school department have with different labor unions.

Mr. Staples said Barrington resident Peter Clifford attended a recent appropriations meeting and provided an analysis of potential cost-saving measures gained through consolidation of the municipal government and school department.

Mr. Staples, who also serves as the chairman for the town's budget forecast committee, said pension information will also be shared. He said the director of the state pension spoke during a recent committee on appropriations meeting.

"It was eye-opening, and, frankly, comforting," said Mr. Staples.

Mr. Staples said appropriations members are hopeful that through these neighborhood meetings, people will learn more about the process and budget factors, and bring that knowledge to the financial town meeting held in May.

"You might have people who aren't in full agreement, but they understand the work that went into it," he said.

After the final neighborhood meeting, people will also be invited to attend the regularly scheduled budget review meetings held by the committee on appropriations starting in January. 

Neighborhood meetings

The Barrington Committee on Appropriations will hold three neighborhood meetings during the next three months:

• Tuesday, Oct. 3: At Nayatt School, at 7 p.m.

• Tuesday, Nov. 14: At Primrose Hill School, at 7 p.m.

• Tuesday, Dec. 5: At Hampden Meadows School, at 7 p.m.

Committee member needed

The Barrington Town Council is looking for a volunteer to serve on the committee on appropriations — current member Chad Mollica has announced his intention to resign from the committee. Résumé forms can be obtained at www.barrington.ri.gov, at the town clerk's office at the Barrington Town Hall, or at the Barrington Public Library.