EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- After 15 months, the state-appointed Budget Commission in East Providence wrapped up its work Thursday, sort of.
Governor Chafee attended the Commission's "final" meeting and commended members -- three from the state and two from the city -- for restoring fiscal stability to the city. Mayor James Briden, a new member to the Commission, gave citations of appreciation to Commission members and to Governor Chafee.
But the Budget Commission didn't officially disband on Thursday, as was expected. Instead the Commission went on a sort of standby status with a liaison monitoring the city's management.
Should the city stray from its five-year fiscal plan, the Commission would meet and manage again. Until then, financial decision-making returns to the City Council.