Providence councilors press for transparency after residents receive property revaluation notices

Providence — Multiple Providence City Council members used their personal‑expression time on Feb. 20 to raise constituent alarms after homeowners received revaluation notices that showed large increases.

Councilwoman Dawn Peterson told colleagues she had been "extremely alarmed to see the difference from last year to this year in the assessment of my home," and urged the council to work collaboratively to address residents' questions. Councilwoman Peterson said the council needs time and data to respond to constituents and called for coordinated action.

Councilwoman Ryan said the issue affects homeowners and renters citywide and pressed the finance committee to hold public hearings. "We have to have these hearings, out loud, in public, in our committees," she said, adding that the council needs full data so it can have "healthy, open discussion." Councilwoman Helen Anthony said she has asked the administration to make the revaluation company available to explain its process and data.

A council member also reminded colleagues that an appeals process exists: "There is an appeal process. So if your constituents feel that the value is not right or justified, they can go through that process," the speaker said. Council leadership said staff would circulate a clear explainer to all council members about the appeal steps and the forthcoming mill‑rate process.

No ordinance or tax rate was set at the meeting. Councilors said the administration and the finance committee must vet the data, hold open hearings, and work through the budget process to set a mill rate that reflects any revised valuations.

The council requested that the administration provide the revaluation firm to committee and asked staff to prepare written guidance for council members and residents on appeals and the calendar for budget decisions.