East Greenwich Council reviews proposed budget and tax rate adjustments for residents and businesses

The East Greenwich Town Council convened on June 9, 2025, to discuss critical budgetary matters that will directly impact local residents and businesses. A significant focus of the meeting was the proposed adjustments to property tax rates, particularly the residential and commercial rates, which have stirred considerable debate among council members.

The proposed budget maintains the commercial tax rate at $27, while suggesting an increase in the residential rate. This change is expected to affect homeowners significantly, with estimates indicating that a property valued at $1 million could see an increase of approximately $745 in their tax bill. For a $300,000 home, the increase would be around $839, and for a $600,000 property, it would be about $933. These figures highlight the financial burden that the proposed budget could impose on residents, especially those in lower-valued homes.

Council members expressed concerns about the disparity in tax burdens between residential and commercial properties. The commercial sector has seen a decline in assessed values due to appeals, resulting in a loss of approximately $268,000 in tax revenue. This shift has led to a heavier reliance on residential taxes to meet budgetary needs, raising questions about fairness and equity in the tax system.

The council also discussed the implications of maintaining a split tax rate, which has historically placed a heavier burden on residential property owners. Some members suggested that adjustments might be necessary to alleviate the pressure on residents while ensuring that commercial properties contribute fairly to the town's revenue.

In addition to tax discussions, the council reviewed resolutions related to funding for the local library, which included a request for full funding as proposed by the Library Board of Trustees. The budget includes a contingency line item of $100,000, which could be adjusted based on the council's decisions regarding library funding.

As the council deliberates on these budgetary matters, the outcomes will have lasting implications for the community. The decisions made in this meeting will shape the financial landscape for East Greenwich residents and businesses, highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing fiscal responsibility with the need for equitable taxation. The council is expected to finalize its budget decisions in the coming weeks, with a keen eye on the impact these changes will have on the community's future.