GLOCESTER – Legislation that will allow Glocester voters to decide if town property taxes should exceed the maximum increase permitted in the state for the coming fiscal year was approved last week by the Rhode Island General Assembly.
Sen. Jessica de la Cruz and Rep. Michael Chippendale sponsored bills in their respective chambers at the request of town officials, who say they aim to provide additional funding to the Glocester School District.
Glocester voters passed an initial $35.5 million budget in a referendum in May, an increase of $380,938 over the prior year – the maximum allowed according to state regulations, which cap levy increases at four percent each year. The budget question was approved with flying colors in a vote of 491 to 196.
But elementary school officials said that despite their six percent increase, this year’s allocation was not enough to cover a deficit and avoid layoffs. Notices were sent out to four teachers and 13 aides following approval of the referendum, and residents packed a Town Council meeting on Thursday, June 5 to make the case for additional school funding.
After hearing from parents and educators, councilors unanimously passed a resolution seeking the authority to go back to voters with plans for a supplemental tax.
de la Cruz introduced the legislation in the Senate on Monday, June 16, and it was referred to the Committee on Housing and Municipal Government. The Senate version was passed amid a flurry of votes on legislators’ last day of session on Friday, June 20, and Chippendale’s corresponding House bill quickly followed suit.
The legislation authorizes a new town referendum for taxes exceeding the current cap by, “not more than an additional three percent for fiscal year 2026, in order to fund school department operations and to avoid loss of critical town services.”
“Whether taxes increase in Glocester is ultimately up to the voters,” said de la Cruz. “The proposed increase is to fulfill teacher salary obligations, but ultimately, it is the community – not elected officials – who have the final say.”
“We passed enabling legislation because Glocester showed me that expenses of the school district exceeded revenue,” she added.
Councilors have said the supplemental budget vote could take place as early as September.
de la Cruz saying that Glocester showed her that expenses exceeded revenues was the reason to sponsor a tax increase bill is crazy. Of course expenses exceeded revenues. Does that mean taxes must increase? How about the school committee do their job and cut expenses. But when you have unlimited money why cut taxes. If taxpayers do not get out and vote NO then your taxes will increase At least $500.
my vote will be no