Gloomy Financial Picture In EG: Cienki

EAST GREENWICH, RI -- Long known as one of Rhode Island's wealthiest communities, East Greenwich nonetheless is facing a financial crisis, according to Sue Cienki, the outgoing town council president.

Cienki says the $86 million unfunded pension liability works out to $20,000 on every home. And there's more bad news. She estimates $97 million will be needed to maintain school buildings. An additional $33 million is the estimate for town buildings and infrastructure. She also says the town is carrying a lot of debt. The loans account for 10 percent of the annual budget.

Although the outgoing councilors took steps to slash spending, they were opposed by the unions, she said.

Meanwhile, incumbent Democrat Dr. Mark Schwager has already taken steps to prevent employees from destroying any town documents, as the new council assesses the town's financial situation. He has asked the town solicitor to send the town manager and department heads a memo reminding them about the state regulations on retaining and destroying municipal documents.

File Photo: Margo Sullivan/Patch Staff