Westerly - State of Rhode Island: Division of Planning

The Westerly Comprehensive PlanGOAL 9: InstitutionsNo. Actions Responsibility Support Timeframe9.19.29.39.49.59.69.7Coordinate grant writing between non-profit institutions and the municipality toleverage and enhance total return and mutual benefit.Complete a comprehensive review of all town annual subsidies to insure that thefunds are directed to institutions that address the highest-priority needs.Coordinate and consolidate services between the town and critical institutions,especially those supported by tax dollars to share expertise and achieve economies ofscale.Require that the Westerly Town Manager meet at least annually with the WesterlyHospital Board of Trustees to determine what municipal efforts are necessary tosupport the hospital.Establish and fund an annual appropriation to the Westerly Hospital to assist inreimbursement for uncompensated services for Westerly citizens who were unable topay, to be reviewed and approved annually during the budget process by theWesterly Town Council.The town’s elected and appointed officials should assist the Westerly Hospital andthe local medical community in advocating for their needs; for example, achievingparity and equality in private insurance and Medicare/Medicaid rates in comparisonwith facilities in Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut and increasingtransparency in the contract negotiations processes.Hold an annual public meeting, attended by the Town Council and SchoolCommittee to review progress in improving student performance. Review actionsunderway in the highest-performing school systems in Rhode Island andConnecticut to determine best practices that appear to be working elsewhere.TM FD, PZS ST&OTC BF, FD STTM, SOS TC, SC, BF MTTM ST&OTC BF, TM, EDC LTTC, TM ST&OTC, SC TM, SOS ST&OWesterly, Rhode Island 87