Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza presented a challenging city budget for this year, addressing a long-standing underfunding issue in the public school district. The budget includes a property tax increase of $29.7 million, exceeding the state cap, with residential homeowners bearing the brunt due to increased property values. The proposed tax rates vary based on property type, with multifamily homes facing the largest increase in value.
In addition to the tax hike, the mayor proposed higher fines for violations such as illegal parking and dog waste, as well as a new fee for bulky trash pickup. Despite the financial strain, no major cuts are planned for public services, with reductions primarily coming from expected decreases in overtime and non-essential hiring.
The budget also includes increased spending in areas such as immigrant support, public safety during the World Cup, and assistance for WaterFire Providence. Police officers and firefighters will receive pay raises as per union contracts. While the mayor remains hopeful for the city’s future, challenges in balancing the budget and meeting fixed expenses like pension payments persist.
The proposed budget, totaling $25 million more than the previous year, awaits approval from the state Legislature. Providence residents can expect a slight tax increase if the proposal is accepted, maintaining the city’s commitment to providing essential services while addressing financial constraints.
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