W. Warwick faces massive budget deficit

WEST WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) - West Warwick leaders are preparing taxpayers for some big changes as the town gets ready to outline plans to eliminate a massive budget shortfall.

The town recently announced they can not afford to pay a multi-million settlement to victims of the station nightclub fire. The town manager says the school department is $3.5 million dollars over budget.

Tuesday's town council will now be moved to a bigger venue because of the overwhelming financial concerns in the town. The town manager is calling for swift action in order to get the town out of the hole including layoffs, wage freezing, among other solutions are all on the table.

"There is no way that we can tax our way out of this problem. And what we are asking for is support from the public, support from all unions," said Town Manager, James Thomas.

At the town council meeting on Tuesday, Thomas says there will be three proposals in order to trim up to one million dollars in spending; calling for workforce restructuring, modifications to their health insurance plans, and certain non-budget items will have to be condensed.

"It is time for action, it is time for leadership," said Thomas.

According to Thomas it may be time for the school department to take drastic cuts if as expected the town looses more than a million dollars in state aid.

The meeting will be held at the West Warwick High School on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.