Special Committee on Ways and Means | Regular Meeting | May 20th, 2026 | 5:30pm

Chairman Miguel Sanchez calls the Special Committee of Ways and Means to order and the clerk conducts a roll call. Present members and speakers are then sworn in by the clerk's office.

The committee approves a motion to waive the readings of items one through five. The chairman and staff agree to adjust the agenda order to accommodate department representatives' schedules.

The committee enters Exhibit 22 into the record and reviews the proposed budget for the Providence Emergency Management Agency. Director Clara Decerbo presents her report, discussing emergency response efforts, staffing challenges, federal funding, and preparations for the FIFA World Cup.

The committee enters Exhibit 23 into the record and reviews the proposed budget and operations of the Providence Police Department. Chief Oscar Perez and department leadership discuss crime statistics, community relations, recruitment, unhoused populations, and response times.

The committee enters Exhibit 24 into the record and reviews the budget for Public Safety Finance and Administration. Discussions focus on the upcoming retirement of Deputy Commissioner Elaine Richards, transition planning, and the management of public safety grants.

The committee enters Exhibit 25 into the record and reviews the Telecommunications Department's proposed budget and operations. Director Winston Schoolcraft discusses call statistics, tactical dispatch initiatives, staff wellness, and the meeting is adjourned.