Central Falls Mayor Moreau demoted

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. (WPRI) - Central Falls' new receiver has taken over the duties of the mayor's office, according to Governor Donald Carcieri's office.

On Friday, Carcieri appointed retired Superior Court judge Mark Pfeiffer to oversee the state-controlled receivership proceedings in the financially-troubled city.

Since then, Pfeiffer announced he's demoting Mayor Charles Moreau to advisory status, cutting his pay and ordering him to return all city equipment.

• Read the letter sent to Mayor Moreau

Pfeiffer also fired Gene Noury, the city's director of personnel. He cited in a letter to Noury that he is bringing in outside staff to assist him.

Central Falls is facing an estimated deficit of $8 million.

Pfeiffer also reached out to City Council President William Benson, requesting a meeting with him.

"As I am sure you are aware, the challenges facing Central Falls are extremely daunting. Nevertheless, we have put together a highly professional and experienced team to work aggressively towards returning the city to fiscal health," Pfeiffer wrote in a letter to Benson. "I consider your knowledge, and the knowledge of the entire council, to be a great asset, and I would most certainly like to use that asset to the benefit of the city."