Provides PILOT to Exeter for state owned properties. Imposes no duty on Exeter to protect these properties. Requires payments to be used to create a police department or defray town expenses used to provide police protection.
Impact
The intended impact of S2341 is significant for the town of Exeter. By implementing payments in lieu of taxes, the town is expected to gain additional resources that can be used to support local governance and essential services. The legislation specifically states that these appropriated funds should be allocated toward the establishment of a municipal police department or to offset expenses incurred from state police services already provided in the town. This funding strategy represents a shift in how state support is provided, aiming to enhance local law enforcement capabilities.
Summary
Bill S2341 proposes amendments to the Rhode Island General Laws regarding state aid to towns and cities, specifically addressing exemptions related to state-owned properties. The bill stipulates that properties owned by the state within the town of Exeter will no longer be exempt from state appropriations in lieu of property taxes. This means that Exeter will receive a set percentage of funding (27%) that reflects what would have been collected in taxes for these exempt properties, a measure intended to provide financial support to the municipality.
Conclusion
Overall, S2341 reflects the state's attempt to bolster municipal financial resources while revising the relationship between state-owned properties and local tax structures. It is positioned as a forward-looking measure to help Exeter develop its public safety services through targeted funding, yet it also opens a dialogue about the responsibilities and service expectations of local governance.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding S2341 include the implications it has on Exeter's responsibility to provide public safety services. The bill specifies that the town would not be bound to offer public safety or ordinary services to state properties unless it formally establishes a police department. Critics of this provision may argue that it creates ambiguity in the town's obligation to ensure safety for residents and state property, potentially leading to gaps in public safety services until such a department is in place. Furthermore, the financial aspect of appropriated funds raises questions about their sufficiency and whether they would adequately cover the costs associated with necessary public safety infrastructure.
Authorizing The Town Of North Smithfield To Finance The Development And Construction Of A New Police Station Or The Renovation, Improvement, Alteration And Repair Of An Existing Building To Be Used As A Police Station, As Determined By The Town Council And The Furnishing And Equipping Thereof By The Issue Of Not More Than $18,000,000 Of Bonds And/or Notes Therefor
Authorizing The Town Of North Smithfield To Finance The Development And Construction Of A New Police Station Or The Renovation, Improvement, Alteration And Repair Of An Existing Building To Be Used As A Police Station, As Determined By The Town Council And The Furnishing And Equipping Thereof By The Issue Of Not More Than $18,000,000 Of Bonds And/or Notes Therefor