Cranston Officials Reject the Need for a State Budget Commission

Cranston Officials Reject the Need for a State Budget Commission

Does Cranston need a state-appointed budget commission? 

Last week, the Cranston City Council rejected Mayor Ken Hopkins’ proposed budget, which would have raised taxes to close a $10 million deficit.

The council unanimously rejected the $352 million budget plan that would have increased the city’s tax levy by 7.4%.

GoLocal reached out to officials after Cheryl Ursillo, a Cranston resident and retired teacher, urged a state-appointed budget commission for the city in a Guest MINDSETTER™.


“Revenue and spending. Simple concepts until spending exceeds income. Then, there’s nothing simple about it. Case in point, the current Cranston deficit,” said Ursillo. “It’s both painful and overwhelming, and Cranston taxpayers are about to experience that pain."

Here’s what officials - the Mayor’s office and City Council, who were all asked - had to say. 


Mayor, Councilors Reject Notion for Commission - After State Auditor Raised Flags

In February, Rhode Island Auditor General David Bergantino warned city officials of a “highly concerning” financial outlook after the city reported significant operating deficits across multiple departments last fiscal year.

Of note, Bergantino pointed to Cranston’s $6.4 million deficit in the city’s general fund, and that the city’s reserves fell from 8.2% to 5.3%, which falls below the recommended level of 17% for municipalities.

“We do not believe a state‑appointed budget commission is necessary. We’ve been in continuous, direct communication with the State Auditor General, and we are confident we can correct course here in Cranston and strengthen the city’s financial position,” said Hopkins’ spokesperson Nicole Renzulli when asked about a budget commission. 

Council members similarly dismissed the need for a commission. 

“A state auditor has already rendered an opinion on the budget and potential deficit,” said Councilor Michael Traficante. 

“I do not think that Cranston should request a state-appointed commission at this time,” said Councilor Christopher Buonanno. "Based on the information contained in our yearly audit, while things are certainly not in wonderful fiduciary shape in our city, I do not believe we are at the point where this step is needed at this time. At this point, it is my belief that we can still solve our problems 'in-house' if we work together, listen to one another and unite to create the strongest budget possible, without placing the burden on only one or two areas. More importantly, I hope we can do this in a mature way without inflaming an already urgent situation.”

Councilman Frank Ritz pointed to the potential lack of local control if a state-appointed budget commission is convened. 

“I believe Cranston should carefully consider every option available to address the City’s growing financial challenges, including the possibility of requesting state oversight if conditions continue to deteriorate,” said Ritz. "However, a state-appointed budget commission is a significant step that would reduce local control over financial decisions, and I do not believe the City has exhausted all local corrective measures at this point.”

And Councilman Andy Andujar said in his estimation that receivership would be a final option. 

“I believe after [last week’s] fireworks, the administration and council will work together in a collaborative setting to find a solution. The last resort would be a receivership, which, as I said [last week], ‘will not be pretty,’ said Andujar. 

Council President Dan Wall, Vice President Kristen Haroian, and Councilors Emilia Vaziri and Richard Campopiano did not respond to a request for comment.