Little Compton council refers proposed homestead exemption to town solicitor for state legislation

The Little Compton Town Council voted to refer a proposed homestead-exemption plan to the town solicitor for drafting of a resolution and appended legislative language to send to the state legislative delegation.

The referral follows an ad hoc committee report and a solicitor review that described the proposal as legally feasible but unusually complex. Tony Desisto, the town solicitor, said, “This will be probably the most complicated homestead exemption in the state,” and recommended preparing a resolution to the General Assembly with the proposed legislation appended. He advised the council to pursue state action early in the session so the measure could be on the calendar and, if approved, be ready for the community vote at the town’s financial meeting.

Council members who spoke in favor said the exemption is intended to help year‑round residents and to incentivize long‑term rentals. Council discussion noted the fiscal and administrative implications: Denise (the town assessor) indicated much of the exemption could be applied automatically for registered voters but that applications from landlords seeking exemptions for long‑term rentals would create additional paperwork and staffing needs. One council member said any successful state-level change would require a local implementing ordinance and possibly extra assessor staff or contracted assistance to process applications.

The motion on the floor—"refer to the solicitor to work with the committee to draft appropriate resolution and legislative language"—was moved and seconded and then carried by voice vote. The solicitor and committee plan to meet to finalize draft language. Desisto advised aiming to file related bills early in the next General Assembly session, noting a March deadline for practical scheduling if the town intends to have the measure ready for a financial town meeting vote.

The council did not adopt final ordinance language at the meeting; the referral directs the solicitor to draft state-facing legislation and to work with the committee on local implementation language. The council also discussed that any local ordinance implementing the exemption would need explicit procedures to limit administrative burden and define eligibility criteria.