Pawtucket council backs enabling legislation for new tax class; confirms canvassers and advances ordinances

The Pawtucket City Council voted unanimously to approve a resolution supporting enabling legislation to create a fifth tax classification for non‑owner‑occupied residential properties of five units or less, and carried a slate of confirmations and ordinance second‑passages during the meeting.

Council members said the resolution does not itself change tax rates but would allow the city an additional tool to use in the budget process if city leaders choose to employ it. "It can't happen unless legislation passes," a council member said during debate, and several members described the resolution as a way to "start the ball rolling" on an option that would apply to absentee landlords owning small multifamily properties.

The council confirmed Monica T. Contreras as an alternate Republican member of the Board of Canvassers and reappointed Robert W. Castle to the board; both confirmations passed on roll call votes, 9–0. The council also approved the reappointment of James Hoyt to the Riverfront Commission, 9–0.

On ordinances, the council gave second passage to an amendment concerning the sealer of weights and measures (repealing article 10 of chapter 50 and amending article 6 of chapter 63 of the code of ordinances) and to an amendment related to Tidewater Stadium zone parking; both passed on roll call votes, 9–0.

Public input: preservation and city‑hall concerns

During public input, Zachary Russell of the Heritage Alliance of Pawtucket urged the council to prioritize preservation of City Hall and other historic sites and to ensure the city uses multiple independent assessments when evaluating restoration versus demolition. Russell presented estimated cost figures discussed at a public forum—removal of the City Hall tower, demolition, and full renovation estimates—and urged transparency on grant‑seeking and consultant selection. In response a council leader said, "we are doing all of our due diligence under the guidance of Chairman Araujo" and noted the committee is seeking an additional review beyond the single contractor that had provided an estimate.

Why it matters: The proposed fifth tax class targets non‑owner‑occupied small multifamily properties and could shift tax burdens depending on whether the city elects to use it in budget decisions. Confirmations and ordinance passages affect election administration, riverfront planning and local traffic/regulatory rules.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution: Support enabling legislation to create a fifth tax class for non‑owner‑occupied residential properties of five units or less — approval: roll call 9–0 (motion: Councilor Wildenhayn; second: Councilor Moran). - Appointment: Monica T. Contreras, alternate Republican member, Board of Canvassers — confirmed 9–0 (motion: Councilor Moran; second: Councilor Caudier). - Reappointment: Robert W. Castle, Board of Canvassers — confirmed 9–0 (motion: Councilor Moran; second: Councilor Stokovic). - Reappointment: James Hoyt, Riverfront Commission — confirmed 9–0 (motion: Councilor Cote d S; second: Councilor Moran/Ruggio). - Ordinance (second passage): Repeal article 10 of chapter 50 and amend article 6 of chapter 63 regarding sealer of weights and measures — approved 9–0. - Ordinance (second passage): Amendment to vehicle and traffic code for Tidewater Stadium zone parking — approved 9–0.

The council also received an annual audit from the Pawtucket Redevelopment Agency; a councilor asked for additional explanation of the agency’s interaction with city finances and requested follow‑up with the solicitor's office and possible audit representative input at a future meeting.

The meeting concluded after additional routine business and adjournment.