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Little Compton council moves to begin tax‑collection push, sets tax‑sale timetable
Summary
After a lengthy discussion on collection options for delinquent tangible and real‑estate taxes, the council authorized an RFP for a tangible‑collections firm and directed staff to begin a tax‑sale process with a target date and 90‑day notices.
The Little Compton Town Council discussed options to improve collection of delinquent tangible personal property and real estate taxes and approved steps to begin both proactive collections and a possible tax sale process.
Town solicitor and finance officials laid out two tracks: (1) tangible personal property collections handled by specialized outside firms hired via RFP — firms that typically take no fee unless they collect — and (2) real‑estate tax sales governed by Rhode Island General Laws, Title 44, Chapter 9. The council heard a legal overview of each process, the notification and advertising requirements, and the redemption rights a property owner has after a sale.
Attorney (Mr.) Kennedy, who addressed collection methods, described the process and risks, saying, “The collection of, you know, financial delinquencies is is a topic that requires both discretion and some degree of empathy.” He urged the council to consider written policy and a dedicated coordinator to manage collections, noting environmental and title risks when tax title deeds revert to a municipality.
Councilors raised practical concerns about large balances that have accumulated after years without a tax sale and the potential for taxpayers to be surprised by notice. Councilor Gary said prior notices had prompted immediate payments in the past and urged a firm timetable to prompt collections.
The council approved two motions: to issue an RFP and hire a firm to pursue tangible personal property collections (fee‑for‑collection basis), and to initiate the tax‑sale process for delinquent real estate with a target of conducting a tax sale no later than Oct. 15, 2025. The council also directed staff to send the statutory 90‑day notices to delinquent taxpayers “within the next two weeks.” Staff and the solicitor were asked to prepare a written policy to guide judgments about payment plans and exemptions and to designate a town staff coordinator to manage the process and liaise with counsel.
Officials emphasized that notices and the 90‑day timeline often prompt voluntary payments and that exemptions or hardship considerations remain available through direct contact with the tax office and council review. The solicitor advised that the town may choose criteria for which delinquencies proceed to a sale (some towns wait one or two years; the council indicated interest in placing most delinquents on the notice list rather than delaying). The council voted to proceed on both fronts.
