Mayor Lombardi’s 7% Push for Infrastructure

About this episode

Mayor Lombardi proposes a 7% tax increase to fund infrastructure projects, exceeding the state-mandated cap.

The Proposal:  Mayor Charles Lombardi has proposed a  7% tax increase , significantly exceeding Rhode Island’s state-mandated  4% municipal tax cap . The "Why":  *  New Schools:  The primary driver is an  $8.5 million debt service  payment following a voter-approved $125 million bond for all-new elementary schools. Hospital Revenue Loss:  A  $3.3 million shortfall  caused by the sale and status change of Fatima Hospital. The "Cap" Hurdle:  Because the increase is 7%, the Town Council must seek special authorization from the  Rhode Island General Assembly  to override the 4% limit. Mayor’s Defense:  Lombardi highlights that the town had no tax increases for 10 of the last 12 years and frames this as a necessary cost for infrastructure the public voted for. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Host: Dan Yorke

Topics covered

• tax increase
• infrastructure
• municipal tax cap
• education funding
• local government

Keywords

• Mayor Lombardi
• tax increase
• infrastructure
• Rhode Island
• elementary schools
• Town Council
• Fatima Hospital

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Rhode Island General Assembly, Fatima Hospital

Places: Rhode Island, Town Council

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