CRANSTON, R.I. — Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins is proposing sweeping cuts across city services, including a plan that could close the Cranston Senior Center, as his administration attempts to lower a controversial tax increase from 7.4% down to the state-mandated 4% cap.
The revised $347 million budget proposal comes after the Cranston City Council rejected Hopkins’ original plan last month amid backlash from residents over rising taxes and the city’s estimated $10.5 million budget deficit.
Under the new proposal, the Hopkins administration would suspend operations at the Michael A. Traficante Senior Center and eliminate all senior services, including meals, transportation, social services, adult day care programs, exercise programs, bingo activities, and more.
More than 25 jobs could be impacted under the proposal, with some employees being seniors themselves.
The Senior Center has long served as a major community hub for Cranston residents, offering daily meals, recreation programs, wellness activities, and social connections for elderly residents across the city.
The proposal also levels funding for Cranston Public Schools by removing a previously planned $1.5 million increase for the district.
Additional cuts are also raising concerns throughout the city. According to some residents reviewing the budget proposal, there are currently no part-time positions included in the Parks and Recreation budget, fueling concerns about summer programs and city facilities.
Some residents are also questioning whether Budlong Pool could remain closed for a seventh straight season if staffing and recreation funding issues continue.
The revised budget also eliminates the city’s League of Cities and Towns dues, removes a police department transcriptionist position, eliminates administrative raises, and cuts positions in the Highway and Parks and Recreation departments.
At the same time, Hopkins restored funding for CCAP’s Head Start program, tree maintenance, two electricians, one carpenter in the Building Maintenance Department, and the Clean City Coordinator position at a reduced pay grade.
“This is not the budget I wanted to submit,” Hopkins said in a statement, calling the cuts “difficult but necessary” to comply with the city’s tax levy limit.
The proposal has already sparked criticism from some city officials and residents, particularly over the possible closure of the Senior Center, which many describe as one of Cranston’s most important community gathering places.
The City Council is expected to continue debating the revised budget proposal in the coming weeks.
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