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Bristol council agrees to study homestead-exemption for owner-occupied mixed-use properties after residents raise fairness concerns
Summary
Steven and Michelle Messina asked the Town Council to pursue state-level changes so owner‑occupied mixed‑use buildings could receive homestead exemptions. Council voted to refer the issue to the solicitor, tax assessor and administrator for legal and fiscal analysis ahead of potential legislation.
Steven and Michelle Messina, owners of 381 High Street and the adjoining commercial building at 379, told the Town Council on Oct. 1 they were denied a homestead exemption because their property includes a commercial business and were asking the council to pursue a remedy.
The Messinas said they were told by the tax assessor that their mixed‑use parcel was treated as commercial for exemption purposes. "We went to see the tax assessor because we were not granted a homestead exemption," Steven Messina said, adding that the two buildings on one lot had been assessed individually and that tax notices were being handled in a way they did not expect.
Council members agreed the situation raised fairness concerns for owner‑occupied mixed‑use properties and directed staff to explore next steps. Chairman (Town Council chair) moved, and Council member Tim seconded, a motion to refer the matter to the town solicitor, the tax assessor and the town administrator for analysis of liability, fiscal impact and drafting proposed enabling legislation; the motion passed.
Why it matters: The Messinas said the issue affects other owner‑occupants who operate a small business from the same lot and pay residential taxes yet are treated differently for exemption purposes. Council members said the change would require action at the state level and that any local support would feed into proposed legislation to the Rhode Island General Assembly.
What the council will do next: Council members asked the solicitor and tax assessor to quantify the number of impacted properties, estimate the budgetary effect if an exemption were allowed, and prepare draft legislative language or a resolution the town could send to state lawmakers in the next legislative session. The council noted the state legislature does not reconvene until January and that any change would likely be pursued in the spring cycle.
Council context: Several council members (including Tim and Mary) voiced support on fairness grounds but emphasized the need for cost estimates and legal review before the council takes a formal legislative position. The council voted unanimously to refer the matter for staff review.
Ending note: The town solicitor and tax assessor were directed to report back with options, potential liabilities, and suggested draft language to enable the council to consider forwarding a request to the Rhode Island General Assembly.
