Budget Commission Chairman Turns Over Reins

Michael O'Keefe, current chairman of East Providence's state-appointed budget commission, announced he will stepping down from the leadership position.

He nominated Director of Revenue designee Diane L. Brennan to take his place starting in a July meeting. The commission agreed to appoint a new chairman every six months.

"It's been interesting," he said, adding Mayor Bruce Rogers has been an integral part of the commission's work though he was originally "not happy" when the commission's arrived in December.

There is currently a $700,000 surplus in the fiscal year 2012 budget. O'Keefe said much work has been done to tackle the budget deficit and touted the recent bond upgrade, though he said more work is still needed. He advised members to be financially stringent to ensure city books do not fall into the red.