LINCOLN — Town Administrator T. Joseph Almond used his inauguration to a second term to speak out forcefully against expected state aid cuts, saying they showed a state unable to manage its finances punishing municipalities that have.

“It’s important to recognize that state revenue sharing is not a handout from the State of Rhode Island,” he said. “It’s the local community’s rightful share of tax revenue that its residents, all of you, and businesses provide to the state. In turn, it is us, you, the local community, that provides essentially services to maintain revenues” for the state.

The ceremony took place in the high school auditorium, bedecked with pots of red flowers and the formally dressed high school band in front of the stage. Members of the student council handed out programs and police and firefighters in formal dress uniforms marched the colors in, led by a pair of bagpipers.

Almond was sworn in by his uncle, former Gov. Lincoln Almond, a one-time town administrator. In his speech he cited the accomplishments of his previous two-year term, saying his administration had controlled spending, kept the tax rate low and developed a long-term plan for building new municipal facilities, such as the senior citizen center at the Lime Acres play area.

“While I do not intend to diminish the optimism and sense of pride this evening is meant to reflect,” he said, “it is imperative that all elected officials, residents, taxpayers and employees understand the magnitude of the challenges we now face.”

But he said part of that challenge would be unfair fiscal policies of a state government that fails to manage its own affairs and instead forces cuts in local budgets that provide needed services.

Besides T. Joseph Almond, Lincoln Almond also swore in the Town Council, School Committee and Water Commission. The council met briefly during the ceremonies to elect its officers. Independent Councilman Ronald A. McKenna was unanimously elected council president while James R. Jahnz was reelected council vice president. The previous council president, Jeremiah T. O’Grady, did not run for reelection.

jhill@projo.com