Residents raise tax‑classification, debt and preservation concerns during Middletown public forum

At the meeting’s public forum, several residents raised issues the council said it would review further.

A homeowner who identified himself during public comment said he was reclassified from an owner‑occupied to a non‑owner‑occupied tax rate after the council’s March 2025 change to the town’s short‑term‑rental ordinance. He said he meets owner‑occupied criteria (resides at the property more than six months, is the titleholder and a registered voter at the address) and asked the council to re‑examine the ordinance language and grandfathering interpretation. “Owner occupied residents should not be penalized under this new tax change, especially after being grandfathered in,” he said.

Wendy Reel asked for clarification on an $11,400,000 short‑term note tied to the 110 Enterprise Building. She asked whether the note — issued under Rhode Island General Law 45‑12‑4 (short‑term debt for present expenses) — is appropriate for a discretionary 2026 renovation project when no contracts appear to have been awarded, and whether voter approval required by the charter has been observed.

Mary Dennis of the Historical Society’s Stonewall Committee urged continued recognition and protection of dry stone walls, described the committee’s certification process and help for homeowners to repair walls, and requested the council consider ways to assist owners given the labor intensity and cost of repairs.

A resident urged the council to reject a proposed town center and keep the library in its present location, citing prior survey feedback that favored preserving open space and community character.

Councilors acknowledged the concerns and said staff would follow up on the tax‑classification issue and provide more information about the municipal borrowing question; the forum items will be considered in future proceedings.