'Delegation of Authority' on Budget Board's 'Final' Agenda Thursday

The final meeting of the East Providence Budget Commission takes place Thursday under an "exit plan" released about four weeks ago. It will end the state's control of the city's finances after almost 16 months.

The meeting starts at 3 pm in City Hall, Room 306.

The dominant agenda item is the first on the docket: a Budget Commisson recommendation "to continue delegation of authority." Under the state law that established the budget board in East Providence, that authority will include a Municipal Administration and Finance Officer to be hired by the city.

A less costly "alternative" to an AFO, however, has been under discussion between state and city officials, Mayor James Briden said in a Patch story on Tuesday. He also presented that alternative in a resolution he put before the City Council at its last meeting.

Briden didn't elaborate on discussions with the state. But he said there may be much more to report at the Budget Commission’s final meeting.

“They’re listening to what we have to say,” Briden said. “That’s all I can say right now.”

Amending the state law would appear to be necessary to avoid hiring an AFO. Briden's resolution did indicate that the city's state legislators would have to get involved in the process for that to occur.

Another "big ticket" item on the agenda is the tentative approval of the new contracts for police, fire and public works unions. Those contracts are the final pacts to be approved by the Budget Commission before it departs.

Here is the complete agenda of Thursday's meeting:

City of East Providence Budget Commission

City Hall 145 Taunton Avenue

Working Session Agenda

3:00 PM Thursday, March 28, 2013

City Hall Room 306

1. East Providence Budget Commission accomplishments and recommendation to continue delegation of authority – Diane Brennan.

2. Review and approval of Tentative Collective Bargaining Agreement with Police, Fire, and Council 94 – Joe Whalen.

3. Resolution for approval of TANs – Malcolm Moore.

4. Second Reading and Approval of Amended Rainy Day Fund Ordinance previously adopted by the East Providence Budget Commission May 31, 2013.

5. Review of payments, procurements, and personnel actions since February 28, 2013 – Peter Graczykowski and John DeGoes.

6. Review of City Council Minutes from March 5, 2013.

7. Approval of Budget Commission Minutes from February 28, 2013.

8. Adjourn.