Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0018

Introduced
1/18/23  
Refer
1/18/23  
Report Pass
2/7/23  
Engrossed
2/14/23  
Refer
2/15/23  
Report Pass
4/25/23  
Enrolled
4/27/23  

Caption

Authorizing The Town Of North Providence To Issue Not To Exceed $125,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Renovation, Rehabilitation, Repair, Improvements, Furnishing And Equipping Of And/or Additions To Schools And School Facilities In The Town, Including, But Not Limited To, The Construction Of Three Elementary Schools, The Renovation Of Two Middle Schools And The Construction Of New Administrative Offices, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 79.8% For Expenditures Eligible For Reimbursement

Impact

The passage of S0018 will have a direct impact on the state law concerning municipal financing—specifically in how towns can accrue debt and utilize financing for public projects without needing to go through extensive procedural approvals. This act allows the Town of North Providence autonomy in managing its financial commitments regarding educational facilities, ensuring that improvements can be made expeditiously. Additionally, it includes provisions for state housing aid at a minimum reimbursement rate of approximately 79.8% for eligible expenditures, which could greatly alleviate the financial burden on local taxpayers.

Summary

S0018 is a legislative act that authorizes the Town of North Providence to issue general obligation bonds, notes, and other forms of indebtedness totaling up to $125,000,000. The purpose of these funds is to finance various educational facilities' construction, renovation, rehabilitation, and equipping, specifically three new elementary schools, the renovation of two middle schools, and new administrative offices. This act represents a significant investment in the local educational infrastructure and highlights the town's commitment to providing quality educational environments for its students.

Contention

While the act has broad support for advancing educational facilities, there may be contention regarding the financial implications of such significant borrowing. Concerns could arise about the long-term fiscal responsibility of the town and its ability to meet debt obligations without raising taxes or cutting other public services. Furthermore, the fact that the town can issue these bonds without further state oversight may raise questions among constituents about accountability and transparency in how the funds are used, as well as the potential impact on the town's overall debt capacity.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5101

Authorizing The Town Of North Providence To Issue Not To Exceed $125,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Renovation, Rehabilitation, Repair, Improvements, Furnishing And Equipping Of And/or Additions To Schools And School Facilities In The Town, Including, But Not Limited To, The Construction Of Three Elementary Schools, The Renovation Of Two Middle Schools And The Construction Of New Administrative Offices, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 79.8% For Expenditures Eligible For Reimbursement

RI H6296

Authorizing The Town Of Coventry To Issue Not More Than $25,000,000 Bonds And Notes To Finance Construction, Renovation, Rehabilitation, Repair, Improvement, Furnishing And/or Equipping Of And/or Additions To Schools And School Facilities Throughout The Town, Subject To Approval Of State School Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 49.2 % For Expenditures Eligible For Reimbursement

RI S0993

Authorizing The Town Of Coventry To Issue Not More Than $25,000,000 Bonds And Notes To Finance Construction, Renovation, Rehabilitation, Repair, Improvement, Furnishing And/or Equipping Of And/or Additions To Schools And School Facilities Throughout The Town, Subject To Approval Of State School Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 49.2 % For Expenditures Eligible For Reimbursement

RI H6454

Authorizing The Town Of Lincoln To Issue Not To Exceed $25,000,000 General Obligation Bonds And Notes For The Construction, Renovation, Rehabilitation, Repair, Improvements, Furnishing And Equipping Of And/or Additions To Lincoln Elementary Schools

RI S1069

Authorizing The Town Of Lincoln To Issue Not To Exceed $25,000,000 General Obligation Bonds And Notes For The Construction, Renovation, Rehabilitation, Repair, Improvements, Furnishing And Equipping Of And/or Additions To Lincoln Elementary Schools

RI H8218

Authorizing The Town Of Westerly To Issue Not To Exceed $50,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Renovation, Improvement, Alteration, Repair, Furnishing And Equipping Of Schools And School Facilities Throughout The Town, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 35% For Expenditures Eligible For State Aid And Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By Any Grant Received From The School Building Authority Capital Fund

RI S2927

Authorizing The Town Of Westerly To Issue Not To Exceed $50,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Renovation, Improvement, Alteration, Repair, Furnishing And Equipping Of Schools And School Facilities Throughout The Town, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 35% For Expenditures Eligible For State Aid And Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By Any Grant Received From The School Building Authority Capital Fund

RI H7278

AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF CRANSTON TO ISSUE NOT TO EXCEED $40,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER EVIDENCES OF INDEBTEDNESS TO FINANCE THE PURCHASE AND/OR ACQUISITION OF LAND AND BUILDINGS, CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, IMPROVEMENT, ALTERATION, REPAIR, LANDSCAPING, FURNISHING AND/OR EQUIPPING OF SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE CITY, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL OF STATE HOUSING AID AT A REIMBURSEMENT RATE OR STATE SHARE RATIO OF NOT LESS THAN 50% AT THE TIME OF ISSUANCE

RI S2246

AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF CRANSTON TO ISSUE NOT TO EXCEED $40,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER EVIDENCES OF INDEBTEDNESS TO FINANCE THE PURCHASE AND/OR ACQUISITION OF LAND AND BUILDINGS, CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, IMPROVEMENT, ALTERATION, REPAIR, LANDSCAPING, FURNISHING AND/OR EQUIPPING OF SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE CITY, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL OF STATE HOUSING AID AT A REIMBURSEMENT RATE OR STATE SHARE RATIO OF NOT LESS THAN 50% AT THE TIME OF ISSUANCE

RI H7126

AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF CRANSTON TO ISSUE NOT TO EXCEED $40,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, NOTES AND OTHER EVIDENCES OF INDEBTEDNESS TO FINANCE THE PURCHASE AND/OR ACQUISITION OF LAND AND BUILDINGS, CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, IMPROVEMENT, ALTERATION, REPAIR, LANDSCAPING, FURNISHING AND/OR EQUIPPING OF SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE CITY, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL OF STATE HOUSING AID AT A REIMBURSEMENT RATE OR STATE SHARE RATIO OF NOT LESS THAN 50% AT THE TIME OF ISSUANCE

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