Woonsocket seeks state control of finances
WOONSOCKET, R.I.—The Woonsocket City Council has asked the state to appoint a budget commission to take control of city finances and help close a budget deficit in the School Department.
The Council voted 5 to 2 on Sunday. Members Roger Jalette and Albert Brien opposed the move.
The Providence Journal reports that Brien and Jalette proposed bringing in a state-appointed receiver who could provide more options.
Rhode Island Public Radio reports that Mayor Leo Fontaine said the school department could run out of money in two weeks, even with a fast state school aid payment of $3 million.
Woonsocket officials said Friday they expected a state takeover of the city's finances after a proposed tax increase failed to reach a vote in the state House of Representatives.
