Finance committee withdraws support for Elorza $40M Bond Issuance

Press Conference

Council President Luis Aponte en Español


Councilwoman Sabina Matos

PROVIDENCE, R.I.- Members of the Providence City Council Finance Committee introduced
a resolution tonight that recommends withdrawal of support for Mayor Elorza’s $40 million
infrastructure bond issuance.
While acknowledging that infrastructure improvements are important, committee members have
routinely expressed their reluctance to overextend the city’s financial capacity, which would
increase borrowing costs. Moody’s Investment Services last week-and 10 months prior-
warned that an increase in the city’s debt burden would likely result in a reduction in its general
obligation (G.O.) bond rating. The city’s G.O. bond rating is currently considered «Low
Investment Grade» and one investment grade level above «Junk,» which would yield higher
borrowing costs. «The city has many needs,» said Council President Luis Aponte. «This
proposed bond would only scratch the surface of our infrastructure needs. No need should take
precedence over the city’s future financial wellbeing and fiscal health.»
«I’ve been deliberating this since July, and as a member of the finance committee and as Council
President Pro Tempore, I take this matter very seriously,» said Councilwoman Sabina Matos. «In
recent months, I’ve grown more and more concerned about the city’s finances. Even Governor
Raimondo has recently expressed concerns about the city’s finances and unfunded debt
liabilities. Last week, Moody’s Investor Services stated that any further reductions to the city’s
reserves ‘will result in strong downward rating pressure.’ The city’s bond rating is one
investment grade above junk status, and at this time, it is not appropriate for the city to take on
new debt.»

Finance Chairman John Igliozzi also discussed the timing of the decision. «With all the
information that has come to light, we now know for certain that this is not a fiscally responsible
time to pursue more debt,» said Igliozzi. «The city’s unfunded debt liability to retirees is close to
$2 billion. Moody’s came in and said our bond rating hasn’t changed from one investment grade above junk.
At the finance committee two weeks ago, administration admitted that if its
precedent-setting five-year contract is approved, the fire department will still exceed its budget
by $8.7 million in overtime in the near future. We also have an outstanding $12.4 million owed
to firefighters. That’s $20 million that this administration has created all on its own. And now we
know for certain that these are debts the people of Providence will have to pay.»
Majority Whip Jo-Ann Ryan addressed concerns that have been at the forefront of discussion
since the bond was first proposed: «We want to be good stewards for the people of Providence,
and that requires being fiscally conservative in our efforts and looking ahead to the city’s
financial future. In short, the entire bond process has been rushed. Absent a solid plan to spend
the City’s borrowing capacity and due to continuing fiscal challenges, this is not the right time to
move forward with the Mayor’s $40 million bond issuance.»