The Warren Town Council, at its May 13 meeting, gave final formal approval of the Fiscal Year 2025-26 operational budget.

The budget, which received approval from the state, calls for expenditures of $28,680,756, representing a 3.74 percent increase year-over-year from the current figure of $27,649,165.

The agreed upon FY25-26 tally mirrored quite closely the draft budget submitted by the administration of Town Manager Brian Sullivan, whose initial proposal called for the allocation of $28,773,080.

Before the eventual unanimous vote to approve, Councilor Louis Rego raised a question about the accounting for the wastewater management section.

It was resolved that the matter, which did not affect any of the figures included in the budget, could be deemed a "housekeeping" issue and resolved in the future regardless of approval.

Asked for his opinion, Town Solicitor Anthony DeSisto replied, "You have the ability to approve the budget tonight and to make those adjustments later on."

Boards and commissions
The town continues to struggle finding volunteers to fill numerous available positions on various boards and commissions.

The following spots were advertised, but remain available: Associate Municipal Court Judge, one-year term; Juvenile Hearing Board, one alternate position available; Recreation Board, one position available; Rhode Island 250th Commission, four positions available; and Warren Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board of Directors, two positions available.

Anyone interested in one of the aforementioned positions can visit the office of Town Clerk Sandy Speroni in-person or apply on-line at the town website at https://www.townofwarren-ri.gov/town_government/boards_and_commissions/index.php.

Volunteers would then be interviewed and considered by the council at a subsequent meeting.

Proclamations
The council recognized a handful of town residents and organizations, including the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Laurel Park Improvement Association.

Connie McGreavy, the group's current vice president, accepted the notice, which was presented by body president Joseph DePasquale.

In addition, the council saluted four student-athletes from the town who earned athletic accolades from the 2024-25 winter sports season at Mt. Hope High School.

DePasquale presented Kyle McCarthy, the freshmen wrestling state champion at 144 pounds, Eli Francis, his classmate and state champ at 126 pounds, as well as junior varsity state champion at 113 pounds Arion Ferris with notices. McCarthy and Eli Francis accepted their proclamations in-person. Mt. Hope wrestling head coach Ryan Fazzi stood in the stead of Ferris.

In brief remarks, Fazzi said, "I appreciate the support tonight, you guys. All three of these athletes did a ton of work this season. Both my freshmen back there (McCarthy and Francis) will be 100 (career) win leaders. They both have over 50 wins now. They're probably going to be fighting for the (all-time) win record for the whole high school. And we're going bring you up a team state title, really soon, I promise."


Also, Huskies' sophomore Kara Pisasale was noted for winning the state individual gymnastics title on the floor exercise.

Said her coach, Nicole Daniello, "I just wanted to congratulate Kara. She's a super-hard worker, inside the classroom and outside the classroom. Everything she does is just 'A' work. So great job, Kara."