Budget & taxes in Rhode Island local government
What Rhode Island city councils, county boards and school districts are deciding about budget & taxes — plain-English summaries written from official agendas and minutes, updated as meetings happen.
852 Rhode Island meetings since 2024 covered budget & taxes. Counts are directional — coverage varies by place and platform.
Places in Rhode Island with the most budget & taxes activity
- Lincoln, RI (130)
- West Warwick, RI (66)
- Westerly, RI (61)
- South Kingstown, RI (53)
- New Shoreham, RI (48)
- Foster, RI (44)
- Smithfield, RI (42)
- Barrington, RI (41)
- Scituate, RI (39)
- Pawtucket, RI (39)
- Middletown, RI (36)
- Exeter, RI (30)
Latest matching meetings
Town Council to review Spencer Trust budget for FY2026
The Town Council, acting as trustees of the Amey Tucker Spencer Fund, will review the Spencer Trust's budget for Fiscal Year 2026. The meeting will also include the approval of minutes from the previous July 28, 2025, session.
Lincoln Conservation Commission monthly meeting scheduled for August 5, 2026
The Commission will conduct a regular monthly meeting to address wetland applications and current projects. Discussion topics include the Butterfly Garden, historical cemeteries, and various grant or cleanup projects.
Town Council to discuss 2026 budget for Amey Tucker Spencer Fund
The Town Council, acting as trustees, will review and act on the Spencer Trust's budget for Fiscal Year 2026. The meeting will also include approval of minutes from the previous session and a period for public comment.
Town Council to review municipal investment strategies and disaster loan programs
The Town Council will hear presentations on municipal investment strategies and a federal disaster loan program for businesses affected by the February blizzard. The body will also consider seasonal service area expansions for two local establishments and a plan for the Coggeshall School youth center.
School Committee to vote on legal and financial consultant contracts
The East Providence School Committee will meet to discuss and vote on contracts for a financial consultant and Andrew Henneous of HCL. The meeting includes an executive session to discuss consultant finances and job performance.
South Kingstown School Fund reports $28.4M market value as of June 30, 2026
The Trustees of the South Kingstown School Funds reviewed a portfolio summary for the period ending June 30, 2026. The report details asset allocations, performance metrics, and specific fund valuations managed by Lucas Turton.
Town Council to authorize up to $11.15M for wastewater facility upgrades
The West Warwick Town Council will consider authorizing up to $11.15 million for the design, construction, and repair of the Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility. The agenda also includes permits for local events, the purchase of Axon Taser equipment, and the cancellation of a tax amount of $10,011.43.
Town Council to vote on charter amendments for November ballot
The Tiverton Town Council will hold a public hearing to discuss and vote on proposed amendments to the town charter, including changes to land sales, council terms, and the elimination of the elected budget committee. The council will also consider a ballot question regarding the sale of a specific parcel of…
School Committee to vote on FY26 budget amendments and school renovation updates
The Middletown School Committee will consider several action items, including approval of FY26 budget amendments and updates to the Forest Avenue Elementary School renovation budget. It will also vote on staffing matters such as substitute nurse pay and a new CTE teacher job description. Additional items include a…
Town Council to hold public hearing on four Town Charter amendments
The Foster Town Council will consider a consent agenda approving FY26 warrant $35,677.65 and FY27 warrant $245,104.42. A public hearing will address four proposed Town Charter amendments covering financial town meetings, capital reserve funding, land use conveyance tax allocation, and the election of the Town Clerk…
Finance Sub‑Committee to consider budget amendment ordinance for FY 2025‑26
The Cumberland Finance Sub‑Committee will review an ordinance amending the town's General Fund operating budget for fiscal year 2025/2026. It will also consider an ordinance updating Chapter 34 of the Code of Ordinances on claims, and address several previously tabled individual claim items.
Town Council approves payments for well motor and parking lot repairs
The council will adopt the June 17 minutes, approve a slate of municipal mobile food licenses, hear departmental reports, consider several pending ordinances, and vote on two resolutions authorizing payments for a well motor replacement and emergency parking lot work.
Town Council awards $289,500 contract for 2027 Grace's Cove road improvements
The council will hold a closed‑session discussion on collective‑bargaining negotiations with the International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local 720. Several public hearings will address proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, including adding “Game Rooms” to the Old Harbor Commercial Zone and changes to…
School Committee to review financial report and student travel policy
The Westerly School Committee will meet to discuss and potentially vote on a financial report. The committee is also conducting a first reading of a revision to the Field Trip-Student Travel Policy 6170.
Restaurant and fuel station plan reviewed by Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission will discuss the FY27 budget and close out FY26 expenses. They will also continue work on the Richmond Heritage Trail, Beaver River Park, and plant community projects, and hear a summary of the Saila Preserve guided hike. A preliminary plan for a restaurant and fuel station at The Preserve…
Committee will vote to let the superintendent approve $126,791 in change orders.
The committee will consider a consent agenda that includes approval of June meeting minutes, General Fund bills of $399,758.43, Grant Fund bills of $34,571.21, and a $12,149.43 budget transfer. New business items include ratifying the ESP custodian contract, adopting the 2026‑2027 school calendar, and a resolution…
Foster 250 Commission discusses budget closeout and post-event planning
The Commission is reviewing final expenses, invoices, and vendor fee income. Members are discussing event recaps, merchandise sales, and the timeline for state reporting. The meeting also addresses future planning for Foster's 250th in 2031.
Town Council to approve $1.2M contract for Shadow Farm Pump Station
The South Kingstown Town Council will discuss a Veolia outdoor water use ban announced June 30, 2026, review board appointments, and act on routine procurement contracts. A public hearing will address proposed changes to property tax assessment appeal procedures, which would alter the filing timeline for residents…
Lincoln Building Committee reviews school project updates
The committee will review meeting minutes and receive a financial update from M. Carreno. Discussion includes progress on playgrounds, basketball courts, bathrooms, paving, and LMS valves.
Council will vote on funding changes for the Hope Elementary School roof project.
The Town Council will consider several resolutions for the Hope Elementary School roof project, including a $28,050 change order, up to $125,000 for architect fees, and a contingency allowance of up to $126,791. They will also hold a public hearing on Ordinance 26-04 to increase the BV liquor license limit from four…
Town Council to vote on charter amendments and warrants
The Foster Town Council will consider approving warrants totaling over $1 million and four proposed charter amendments regarding financial procedures, the Town Clerk's appointment, and the Land Use Conveyance Tax.
Water Commission discusses water rates and local projects
The Water Commission will review monthly financial reports and daily activity updates. Unfinished business includes discussions regarding water rates, source water assessment, Walker Lofts, and Conduit Street.
Council to hold public hearing on CDBG grant for Mumford Manor repairs
The Newport City Council will hold a public hearing on a Community Development Block Grant application for Mumford Manor at 39 Farewell Street. The agenda includes consent items such as special event permits, waste hauler license renewals, and commission resignations. Action items cover parking changes on South…
Town Council to vote on Johnson's Pond redevelopment plan
The Coventry Town Council will hold a public hearing to consider designating the Johnson's Pond area as a redevelopment zone and adopting the associated plan. The body will also vote on several construction contracts and the appointment of a Charter Review Committee.
Cumberland Town Council to vote on FY 2025/2026 General Fund budget amendment
The Town Council will hold a second hearing and vote on an amendment to the General Fund Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2025/2026. The body will also consider tax exemptions and a contract renewal for IT services.
Council considers $482,545 for City Hall window replacements
The East Providence City Council will vote on funding for Pierce Softball Field improvements and City Hall window replacements. The body will also discuss tax stabilization for accessory dwelling units and review several special event licenses.
Middletown Council to vote on library renovations and road grants
The Town Council will discuss library renovation subcontracts and a $250,000 grant for Third Beach Road. The meeting includes an executive session on land acquisition at West Main Road and collective bargaining with TEAMSTERS.
Public hearing on CDBG application for Mumford Manor at 39 Farewell Street
The council will hold a public hearing on a Community Development Block Grant application for Mumford Manor (39 Farewell Street). Other action items include ordinance revisions for parking on South Baptist Street and one-way designation on Bridge Street, acceptance of a $321,600 FHWA grant for safety, and a contract…
Council reviews $6.2M Mile of History Project funding and new staff pay plan
The Providence City Council will review several ordinances, resolutions, and reports. Key discussions include amending the city zoning code, approving $6.2 million for the Mile of History Project, and considering a new compensation plan that includes a four-day work week and a 10% bonus for city employees. The council…
Town Council to approve $21,554 mower purchase and other community items
The council will consider authorizing the purchase of a Kubota Zeroturn mower with a 72‑inch deck for $21,554.10 from Norfolk Power Equipment via the Sourcewell cooperative agreement. They will also discuss a request to allow free yoga classes at Warren Town Beach on Wednesdays through August 25, 2026. Additional…
Town Council to vote on financing the Landfill 4 Solar Project with Solect Energy
The Barrington Town Council will consider a resolution to authorize financing for the proposed Landfill 4 Solar Project and approve an agreement with Solect Energy. The meeting also includes a resignation filing for Councilwoman Kathleen R. Berard, a victualing license for Adelia Coffeehouse, a Class F license for…
Lincoln Centralized Rescue & Learning Center construction update
The Building Committee is reviewing progress on the new rescue and learning center. Discussion includes construction costs, furniture procurement, and site work such as ledge removal.
Council will consider FY 2027 budget appropriation and tax levy resolution
The Smithfield Town Council will approve the minutes from the June 9, 2026 work session. They will continue the public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Budget. The council will consider an Appropriation and Tax Levy Resolution for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. In executive session, they will interview…
City Council to discuss Hasbro Industries litigation in executive session
The joint Finance Committee and Committee of the Whole will hold a public input period and receive a communication from Tax Assessor Robert Burns concerning several Hasbro Industries cases. The meeting will include an executive‑session segment to consider the pending litigation under Rhode Island law. No formal…
Finance Committee to consider $43,552.03 in tax abatements
The Finance Committee will meet to discuss and consider a resolution regarding tax abatements. The proposal covers motor vehicles, real estate, and tangible personal property for the first quarter of 2026.
Council to consider adjusting non-owner occupied tax rate
The Newport City Council will vote on a resolution to adjust the non-owner occupied residential tax rate and consider multiple action items including large FEMA flood resiliency grants, contracts for software and services, and sidewalk improvements. The agenda also includes special event licenses, a sound variance…
Water Commission discusses water supply, budget, and a claim
The Water Commission will meet to discuss an alternative source water supply involving Pare Corporation. The agenda also includes approval of the FY 2026/2027 budget and a claim regarding 114 Old River Rd.
Council to vote on charter amendments for 2026 ballot, including fire department consolidation
The Coventry Town Council will discuss and vote on four proposed charter amendments for the November 2026 ballot, including establishing a town-run fire and EMS department, staggered council terms, partisan elections, and reducing land trust funding. The council will also consider resolutions for purchases and…
Town Council to appoint new Town Clerk and review West Davisville asphalt odors
The Town Council will consider the appointment of Kerry Rollinson as Town Clerk and discuss complaints regarding asphalt smells in West Davisville. The body will also vote on a series of IT, police, and public works contracts via a consent agenda.
Tiverton Town Council to discuss proposed FY27 Unified Budget
The Town Council will consider a proposed FY27 Unified Budget of $62,336,256, which includes a proposed 1.5% property tax increase. The body will also discuss various charter amendments and a moratorium extension for Bay Street.