The Fiscal 2027 budget season is officially underway in #MiddletownRI. During a meeting earlier this week, local leaders stressed the importance of affordability and cooperation to continue to move the community in the right direction.
FISCAL 2027 BUDGET TALKS UNDERWAY
MIDDLETOWN, RI (JANUARY 21, 2026) – Affordability and teamwork were two key themes of early Fiscal 2027 budget discussions.
At a session Tuesday night in Town Hall, the Town Council met with educational leaders to go over projected revenues for the upcoming fiscal year and related items.
Given the state of the economy and other realities facing residents and businesspeople, municipal and school officials agreed they needed to work together more than ever before to present the best budget possible for 2026-2027.
This was especially true with the schools facing a projected $260,000 loss in education aid from the state in Fiscal 2027, something town and educational leaders said they didn’t want to impact students in the classroom.
It was the first formal public discussion of the early figures, one that is expected to go on for months before the budget is adopted by the council, potentially at the end of May.
“I really like the way the town and schools are working together,” council President Paul M. Rodrigues said. “That doesn’t mean we aren’t going to ask hard questions. The results are improving, which is great…(The schools) are doing a good job and we appreciate that and the collaboration with the town, the School Committee and the council…This is the way it should be. It’s one town.”
“It’s been a great partnership,” Superintendent Billy Niemeyer said. “We’re starting to get our stride now, particularly with the finances, and you’ll see more improvements, collaboration and outcomes.”
While acknowledging there’s quite a bit of work ahead with the budget, those comments were shared by others in attendance.
“It has been very nice working with the School Department on the collaboration with the finances,” Finance Director Marc Tanguay said.
“Thank you for everything you’re doing for our district,” Councilor Charlie Roberts said to Niemeyer. “The improvements have been drastic in my opinion and much appreciated.”
The council’s all day Saturday workshop is May 2 at 8 am in Town Hall. During that session, every department comes in to speak about their budget and answer questions from the council.
Public hearings on the proposed budget were set for May 20 and 27. The time and locations for those sessions for residents and businesspeople to offer input on the proposed figures weren’t announced.
There was no discussion on a projected tax rate because it’s so early in the budget process. As the figures begin to get firmed up, town officials said the projected tax rate will be released.
Based on much of the discussion Monday night, holding the line on spending and keeping the proposed tax rate increase to a minimum as much as possible.
Every year shortly after the council adopts its budget — typically in late May — town and educational staff get working on the next budget.
This includes meetings with department heads and others to go over where things were working and where reductions and additions might be necessary.
The budget includes money for everything from police and fire protection to road repairs, education to the library, senior center, Town Hall operation and more.
A fluid document that’s never set in stone, the Town Council approves changes throughout the year on an “as needed basis” publicly during meetings.
Going into this budget season, Town Administrator Shawn J. Brown asked each department to hold the line on any increases to 3 percent wherever possible. The state of the economy, rising costs and realities facing residents and businesspeople were cited, among other issues.
In a computer slideshow presentation offered to the council Monday night, those items were mentioned along with the price of housing, inflation, projected growth at Naval Station Newport and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and more.
To review a copy of that presentation, visit https://www.middletownri.gov/DocumentCenter/View/22358/Presentation-Rev-Conference-FY-2027-12026---With-changes online.
To check out one provided by Niemeyer to the council, visit https://www.middletownri.gov/DocumentCenter/View/22368/School-Department-FY27-Initial-Presentation-To-Town-Council-12026 online.
To offer input on the proposed Fiscal 2027 budget, go to https://mdl.town/Helps and click the “Budget Ideas” button to enter suggestions.
Document Link: https://mdl.town/NYCU-Start
About Middletown
The Town of Middletown is a vibrant municipality located on Aquidneck Island, known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, diverse economy and strong sense of community. For more information about all we have to offer, visit MiddletownRI.gov online.
Media Contact
Matt Sheley
Public Affairs Officer
401-842-6543
msheley@middletownri.gov