Funding for new EPHS stalls over lingering term length question

Bond attorney worries lack of Assembly approval could hinder effort

By Mike Rego
Posted 6/19/19

EAST PROVIDENCE — The issue of four-year terms for members of the city council, thought to be done and dusted, arose once again earlier this week in regard to the financing of the new East …

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Funding for new EPHS stalls over lingering term length question

Bond attorney worries lack of Assembly approval could hinder effort

Posted

EAST PROVIDENCE — The issue of four-year terms for members of the city council, thought to be done and dusted, arose once again earlier this week in regard to the financing of the new East Providence High School, forcing the body to call an emergency meeting to once and for all seek approval from the General Assembly.

At its Tuesday, June 18, forum, City Solicitor Michael Marcello informed the council the attorney representing East Providence in its efforts to bond out the $189.5 million cost of the new high school was reluctant to file the necessary paperwork because the charter change originally approved by voters in 2012 to switch the length of terms for elected officials from two to four years has never been formally ratified by the Assembly.

Mr. Marcello said the recommendation of the bond counsel to get Assembly approval, specifically regarding the change in length of terms, was being done “out of an abundance of caution” and it would certify the council and the mayor’s office have “the authority to bind the city to these bonds.”

The issue, often a contentious one since it was passed by the electorate, lingered before it was seemingly confirmed by the state Board of Elections and the city Canvassing Board prior to the November 2018 election. The change was enshrined in the charter and the current council was elected and seated for four years.

However, because the amendment was never formally backed by the Assembly, it has created trepidation for bond counsel.

Mr. Marcello said approval by the state legislature would give the charter change, “super, super legal status.” He added, in regard to the term status of the existing council, “This is not going to change a thing. What it will do is give comfort to the bond counsel.”

The council scheduled the emergency session for Friday, June 21, at city hall where it was expected to approve a resolution requesting the Assembly finally formally ratify the term length charter change prior to the conclusion of the state body’s current session some time before June 30.

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