Rhode Island Senate Bill S0853

Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/30/23
• Refer: 3/30/23

Caption

Levy And Assessment Of Local Taxes

Impact

By implementing these changes, S0853 aims to provide municipalities with a clearer framework for tax assessment, potentially leading to a higher tax revenue. This could allow local governments greater flexibility in managing their budgets while addressing rising costs of services. The legislation includes a one-year exemption from the 4% property tax levy cap for municipalities that would exceed this limit due to the inclusion of these agreements in their calculations. This provision offers a buffer during the transition to the new rules, addressing concerns about sudden increases in tax rates amid financial pressures.

Summary

S0853 is a bill introduced to amend the general laws governing the levy and assessment of local taxes in Rhode Island. The primary focus of this legislation is to modify tax levy limits for municipalities, particularly in how they calculate their property tax levies. The bill mandates that all existing and future tax treaties, tax stabilization agreements, and payments in lieu of taxes be included in a municipality's property tax levy calculation. This is significant as it ensures a consistent approach to revenue collection across the state's cities and towns, potentially increasing the overall tax base for local governments.

Contention

The bill could spark debate among various stakeholders, particularly regarding the balance of funding that municipalities receive. Some may argue that including such taxes in levy calculations could lead to unjustified increases in property taxes, disproportionately affecting residents. Conversely, supporters might claim that adequate funding is essential for maintaining public services and infrastructure. This ongoing tug-of-war between fiscal responsibility and the necessity of funding essential services is likely to be a critical point of contention as the bill progresses through the legislative process.