PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns (The League)
announced the priorities of local communities for the 2022 Legislative Session and
FY2023 State budget. The League’s priorities reflect their focus for the legislative session
and position on areas of critical importance to municipalities and taxpayers.
“The Governor and General Assembly will be contemplating budgets, legislation and
programs that could have longstanding effects on our communities and municipal
budgets, such as marijuana, housing and spending federal COVID relief funds,” said
North Providence Mayor and League President Charles Lombardi. “Every state
dollar to cities and towns is effectively a dollar in property tax relief. During these difficult
times, we will be looking to lessen the burden on taxpayers as much as possible. The
League looks forward to working with the Governor and the General Assembly on these
issues and empowering our communities for economic growth and success.”
“Municipal leaders will be closely monitoring the state budget process as the General
Assembly and the Governor look to make once-in-a-generation investments with an influx
of federal funds,” said James Tierney, Town Manager of Narragansett and
President of the R.I. City and Town Managers Association. “We look forward to
working with them to improve our economy through local investments in infrastructure,
housing and other needs. Sustained state aid to municipalities is the most important
ingredient in allowing municipal leaders to continue careful stewardship of their budgets.”
Cities and towns have led the way in budget restraint, supported by sound fiscal
management and improved state funding for education. In FY 2022, property taxes across
all communities increased only 2.14%.
“The tangible property tax places enormous compliance burdens on small businesses and
municipalities,” said Woonsocket Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt. “There is a lot of time
and resources allotted to the collections of this revenue for municipalities and businesses.
Each community should be given the opportunity to develop a plan that works for their
community for the collection of certain tangible taxes.”
“Rhode Island Cities and Towns are diverse yet united in their commitment to providing
effective government that supports the needs of our residents and local businesses,” said
East Greenwich Town Manager Andrew Nota. “Legislation and policies set by the
General Assembly and Governor can have long-standing effects on our individual
communities and the services that we provide. I look forward to working with my fellow
Town Managers and Mayors to ensure that a balanced municipal perspective is
represented in all of these discussions.”
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