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New Shoreham officials push back on new statewide high‑value property tax
Summary
Town leaders and residents pressed lobbyists and state representatives over a new state tax applying to home value above $1,000,000, arguing the policy sets a dangerous precedent and that municipalities should retain property‑tax authority. Lobbyists said they will pursue repeal or changes before the July implementation.
New Shoreham officials and residents on Wednesday told their lobbyists they oppose a recently enacted statewide property tax that applies to value above a $1,000,000 threshold, raising equity and local‑control concerns.
"A state should not be doing property taxes," Rick McCall told the Shoreham Town Council, saying the town should retain authority to set property taxes. McCall and Jeff Taylor, the lobbyists who briefed the council, said the measure — described in the meeting as taxing value beyond the first $1,000,000 — was inserted into the state budget late in the session and surprised many municipal officials.
Council members and residents said the new levy would disproportionately affect communities like Block Island, where many properties are second homes or not owner‑occupied year‑round. "About 70% of our homes are not owner‑occupied year round," a resident told the council, noting that long‑held, multigenerational properties can be valued over $1,000,000 even though owners cannot re‑purchase them at current market prices.
Lobbyists said they had already raised the issue with legislative leadership and intend to reconvene a coalition of coastal/tourist communities and town managers to seek repeal, modification, or municipal carve‑outs before the tax takes effect. "We called both legislators and explained that," Jeff Taylor said, describing outreach to sponsors and legislative leaders.
The council discussed timing: the transcript shows the statewide provision is scheduled to be implemented July 1 for the FY‑27 budget year, giving municipalities roughly six months to press for change. Lobbyists urged the council to pass local resolutions and prepare legislation as early as mid‑January to have traction in the next legislative session.
The council did not vote on a formal action at the meeting; members asked staff to track the bill text, collection rules and to coordinate with neighboring towns. The lobbyists recommended convening towns and the League of Cities and Towns to build a joint strategy.
What happens next: Lobbyists said they will continue outreach with legislators and suggested council resolutions and early January legislative drafting to pursue changes before the scheduled July effective date.
