Providence Council approves budget on first passage, OKs 5.85% levy increase

The Providence City Council approved the city budget and a 5.85% property tax levy increase on first passage Thursday after more than an hour of debate about who will bear the cost of higher property values.

Councilwoman Anthony, chair of the Finance Committee, told colleagues the council faced “substantial challenges” this year, including a court‑mandated school funding settlement and sharp increases in pension and health costs. “Without the one‑time override of the 4% cap, we would have been forced to make painful cuts to city functions,” she said as she urged support for the amended budget.

The council’s package, approved on roll calls, included the levy increase and the amended budget. The levy measure (item 14) passed for first reading 10–3–2 (ayes, nays, absent); the budget (item 15) passed for first reading 11–2–2. Council members who voted no on the levy but yes on the budget cited disproportionate impacts on some wards.

Why it matters: Chairwoman Anthony said the budget must absorb a roughly $11 million court‑ordered school funding…