WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) — The Warwick School Committee met Wednesday night to discuss a number of options to drastically bring down the cost of building two brand new high schools. The price tag to build new Toll Gate and Pilgrim high schools is now nearly $40 million higher than the $350,000 bond voters approved two years ago. The news has Warwick residents, like Rob Cote, fired up. "I told you two years ago that you couldn't build these schools for less than $382 million," Cote told the school committee Wednesday night. Warwick School Committee Chairman Shaun Galligan said the city is in the design phase right now and difficult decisions need to be made so the project can stay on track and break ground in March 2025. SEE ALSO: Cost of East Greenwich school renovation plan surges "Going to a voter referendum that is certainly an option," Galligan said. "Utilization of bond premiums — that's an option as well. We're exploring all option at this time, but we still have to work through all the phases." Galligan said inflation is to blame for the rising cost, leaving residents worried about whether this will impact them. "What you're asking of tax payers, especially the elderly, is ridiculous," one resident told the school committee. "We can't do this. We can't afford a tax increase." Galligan hopes the city will know the exact cost of the project by January. Either way, he said that will be when the school committee provides another update on the project's progress. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW