The Barrington Financial Town Meeting has been postponed.

Members of the town council voted unanimously at the April 6 teleconference meeting to postpone the FTM because of concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. The meeting had been scheduled for May 27.

Barrington Town Council President Michael Carroll said no new date has been set.

"There are significant preparations required for an FTM and we didn't want to have staff preparing for an event we know wouldn't take place," Mr. Carroll said, adding that making the decision now will help the town publicize the cancellation.

The enabling resolution approved by the council requires the town manager to announce a new date for the FTM at the earliest possible opportunity "given the current circumstances, and further directs the Town Manager to make efforts above and beyond what the Home Rule Charter requires to publicize the new date for the FTM."

Barrington council member Jacob Brier said officials would have preferred to hold the FTM on its normally scheduled date, but felt that they needed to vote through the postponement.

"We did so with a hope that we wouldn't actually have to postpone it, but there seems to be no way to hold the meeting in person safely, and no way we can hold it remotely effectively, at this time," Mr. Brier said.

Barrington is not the only community struggling with this challenge, Mr. Brier said, adding that Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo is exploring possible options for cities and towns.

"One option that has been discussed is the possibility that the council votes in the budget, for this year only, then back to whatever municipalities generally do," Mr. Brier said. "It was not discussed as a council...

"I do not like the idea, because we have not been involved enough in its development to make the decision for the town in its entirety, in place of each voter having the right to weigh in. That said, if it's between that and risking the safety, health and lives of Barrington residents, I'd opt for the live-saving option."