New Cranston budget proposal could restore senior center funding

CRANSTON, R.I. — Cranston’s senior center could remain open after Mayor Ken Hopkins announced a new proposal aimed at restoring funding that had previously been cut from the city budget.

The possible closure of senior services became a major point of concern after Hopkins introduced a revised budget proposal earlier this year designed to reduce a proposed tax increase and address a multimillion-dollar deficit.

Hopkins originally submitted a $352 million budget that included a 7.4% increase to the city’s tax levy in an effort to close a budget gap exceeding $10 million. However, the proposal was rejected by the City Council.

The mayor later submitted a revised $347 million budget that reduced the proposed tax increase to comply with the state’s annual 4% cap. To achieve that lower increase, several spending reductions were included, among them the elimination of senior services funding.

Now, Hopkins says the city has identified another option.

According to the mayor, Cranston qualifies for a state law provision involving non-residential tax revenue losses, allowing the city to increase its tax levy by up to 4.65% without requiring approval from the General Assembly.

Hopkins is proposing the city use approximately $1.2 million in additional funding generated through that adjustment to restore the senior center budget.

The mayor said keeping the senior center open remained a priority because of the role it plays in serving older residents throughout the community.

The center provides programs, wellness activities, meals, and social opportunities for Cranston seniors.

The proposal now moves to the City Council, which will make the final decision on whether to approve the revised funding plan.