Budget plan anticipates $1.2 million property tax increase in Burrillville

BURRILLVILLE – A budget proposed by Town Manager Michael Wood would see property taxes in Burrillville increase by 3.84 percent or roughly $1.2 million, with town spending on education up some $675,000.

The significant increase to the school district’s recommended allocation falls short of the approximately $1.1 million increase originally requested by the Burrillville School Committee as submitted by Supt. Michael Sollitto.

According to Wood’s proposal, the town’s total budget would increase to $52,843,160 in fiscal year 2025, not including $2,298,800 in capital expenses. The fiscal plan estimates that an increase to the amount raised through property taxes would result in a rate of $15.19 for real estate, compared to the current tax rate of $14.39.

On the average single family home in Burrillville valued at around $336,000, the tax bill would increase by an estimated $280.

The proposal will be presented at public hearings scheduled for Thursday, May 16 for the municipal budget, and Thursday, May 23 for the school budget, with both to start at 7 p.m. in the town building at 105 Harrisville Main St. Members of the town council will then begin their budget deliberations, with a final vote scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 12.

The fiscal plan comes in what has been described by many as a difficult year for town finances. Burrillville schools anticipate a reduction of around $400,000 in state aid this year, amid hopes to negotiate a new contract with the union that includes raises for teachers, who are currently among the lowest paid in the state.

“It’s not funding the full request of the school department,” Wood said of the plan.

Still, the total school allocation of $36,979,734 marks a $407,273 increase from the Budget Board’s recommendation this year. It is also the largest increase in Wood’s proposal, with most line items decreasing or holding steady, save fixed costs such as health insurance.

“There’s nothing new that’s been added,” Wood said.

One exception is a roughy $200,000 increase in debt service. Wood said that jump comes from the first payment on a bond to fund construction of the new artificial turf field at Burrillville High School. The project, which will include new lighting and a 1,000-seat grandstand surrounded by a six-foot-wide walking path, will also utilize grants and American Rescue Plan Act funds, with installation slated to begin this summer.

“We borrowed the money for the field itself,” explained the town manager.

The capital budget will include funding for three new vehicles for the police department, with total capital expenditures for public safety totaling $292,500. Other expenses, such as the budget for public works, are set to decrease under Wood’s plan.

In a memo on the proposal, the town manager points out that some figures are still subject to change.

“The legislature has not yet finalized its state aid appropriations, so future adjustments are probable,” Wood notes. “We should have the final numbers before the June deadline to pass the FY2025 budget.”