Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H6276

Introduced
4/7/23  
Refer
4/7/23  
Report Pass
5/30/23  
Engrossed
6/1/23  
Enrolled
6/6/23  

Caption

Authorizing The Town Of South Kingstown To Issue Not To Exceed $125,000,000 General Obligation Bonds And Notes To Finance The Acquisition, Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Furnishing And Equipping Of A New High School, Athletic Facility, And Other School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto, Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Demolition, Athletic Fields, Landscaping And Parking And All Attendant Expenses, Including Engineering, Architectural And Other Project-related Consulting Costs, Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

Impact

The issuance of bonds will support significant improvements in school facilities, which proponents argue will enhance educational resources and community infrastructure. The bill also allows for reimbursements from state aid programs, potentially easing the financial burden on local taxpayers. It is aimed at generating not only physical improvements for educational needs but also fostering an environment favorable for future development and investment in the community's educational system.

Summary

House Bill H6276 authorizes the town of South Kingstown to issue general obligation bonds and notes totaling up to $125 million. This funding is designated for the acquisition, construction, improvement, renovation, furnishing, and equipping of a new high school and athletic facilities, as well as for related expenses. The bill outlines the specific entries in the bond issuance, including the types of bonds allowed and the conditions surrounding their issuance and management. Importantly, the bond authorization is contingent on the approval by the town's electors in a local election scheduled for November 7, 2023.

Contention

While generally supported, some concerns have been raised regarding the size of the proposed bonds and the financial implications for homeowners. Critics may argue that high levels of municipal debt could affect local tax rates and spending in other vital areas. The fact that the authorization can be extinguished by town ordinance after seven years adds another layer of scrutiny regarding the town council's decision-making authority and financial planning obligations. Moreover, as with any local election regarding bond approval, the community's response could be influenced by broader economic conditions and trust in current governance.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0994

Authorizing The Town Of South Kingstown To Issue Not To Exceed $125,000,000 General Obligation Bonds And Notes To Finance The Acquisition, Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Furnishing And Equipping Of A New High School, Athletic Facility, And Other School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto, Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Demolition, Athletic Fields, Landscaping And Parking And All Attendant Expenses, Including Engineering, Architectural And Other Project-related Consulting Costs, Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

RI S2091

AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF SOUTH KINGSTOWN TO ISSUE NOT TO EXCEED $150,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND NOTES TO FINANCE THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENT, RENOVATION, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF A NEW HIGH SCHOOL, ATHLETIC FACILITY, AND OTHER SCHOOL FACILITIES IN THE TOWN AND ALL EXPENSES INCIDENT THERETO, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, COSTS OF DESIGN, DEMOLITION, ATHLETIC FIELDS, LANDSCAPING AND PARKING AND ALL ATTENDANT EXPENSES, INCLUDING ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURAL AND OTHER PROJECT-RELATED CONSULTING COSTS

RI H7039

AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF SOUTH KINGSTOWN TO ISSUE NOT TO EXCEED $150,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND NOTES TO FINANCE THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENT, RENOVATION, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF A NEW HIGH SCHOOL, ATHLETIC FACILITY, AND OTHER SCHOOL FACILITIES IN THE TOWN AND ALL EXPENSES INCIDENT THERETO INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, COSTS OF DESIGN, DEMOLITION, ATHLETIC FIELDS, LANDSCAPING AND PARKING AND ALL ATTENDANT EXPENSES, INCLUDING ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURAL AND OTHER PROJECT-RELATED CONSULTING COSTS

RI H6129

AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF WEST WARWICK TO ISSUE NOT TO EXCEED $71,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND NOTES TO FINANCE THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENT, RENOVATION, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE TOWN AND ALL ATTENDANT EXPENSES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DEMOLITION, ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURAL AND LANDSCAPING COSTS

RI S1126

AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF WEST WARWICK TO ISSUE NOT TO EXCEED $71,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND NOTES TO FINANCE THE ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENT, RENOVATION, FURNISHING AND EQUIPPING OF SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE TOWN AND ALL ATTENDANT EXPENSES INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DEMOLITION, ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURAL AND LANDSCAPING COSTS

RI H6376

Authorizing The Town Of East Greenwich To Finance The Acquisition, Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Alteration, Furnishing And Equipping Of Public Schools And School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Demolition, Athletic Fields, Landscaping, Parking And Costs Of Financing And To Issue Not More Than $180,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor

RI S0981

Authorizing The Town Of East Greenwich To Finance The Acquisition, Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Alteration, Furnishing And Equipping Of Public Schools And School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Demolition, Athletic Fields, Landscaping, Parking And Costs Of Financing And To Issue Not More Than $180,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor

RI H8257

Authorizing The Town Of Middletown To Issue Not To Exceed $235,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Renovation, Improvement, Alteration, Repair, Landscaping, Furnishing And Equipping Of New Elementary, Middle And High Schools And School Facilities Throughout The Town, And All Attendant Expenses Including, But Not Limited To, Demolition, Engineering And Architectural Costs; Provided That, The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

RI S2960

Authorizing The Town Of Middletown To Issue Not To Exceed $235,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Renovation, Improvement, Alteration, Repair, Landscaping, Furnishing And Equipping Of New Elementary, Middle And High Schools And School Facilities Throughout The Town, And All Attendant Expenses Including, But Not Limited To, Demolition, Engineering And Architectural Costs; Provided That, The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

RI S0980

Authorizing The Town Of Barrington To Finance The Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Alteration, Furnishing And Equipping Of Public Schools And School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Athletic Fields, Playgrounds, Landscaping, Parking And Costs Of Financing And To Issue Not More Than $250,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 35 Percent At The Time Of Issuance And Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

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