Newport City Council appoints interim fire chief, approves police equipment purchase

NEWPORT — The Newport City Council convened for a marathon session Monday evening, addressing several key municipal issues during a meeting that lasted over four hours.

In a significant personnel move, the council appointed Kevin Lacoste as interim chief of the Newport City Fire Department. Lacoste, previously serving as second assistant chief, takes over from City Manager Jonathan DeLaBruere, who had been filling the role temporarily.

The council also approved a request from Police Chief Travis Bingham to purchase replacement plates for officers’ heavy-duty vests.

The equipment, designed to withstand high-powered rifle fire, will cost approximately $7,500 for seven vests.

In his quarterly budget report, DeLaBruere stated that city spending is on track with projections. He anticipates a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) from the state, covering properties like the courthouse and state office buildings, to be around $615,000.