The Providence City Council begins public hearings Monday on the new proposed city budget, as the state’s largest city continues to struggle to close long-term deficits.
Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza presented his proposal for a $734 million budget in April.
Since then, the City Council Finance Committee has been combing through the document, but the budget has been largely overshadowed by turmoil, including the resignation of the City Council president.
Providence faces millions of dollars in underfunded promises to retirees, with the city’s long-term pension obligations less than 30 percent funded. In his latest budget, the mayor has proposed an increase in spending on schools and money for a rainy day fund — the first in five years.
City councilors hope to reach agreement on the budget by the time city’s fiscal year ends on June 30.
