Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
North Providence mayor proposes FY2026–27 budget with $1.50 per $1,000 tax increase to cover $3 million hospital revenue loss
Summary
Mayor Charles A. Lombardi presented a FY2026–27 proposed budget that reflects a 29% property revaluation and includes a $1.50 per $1,000 increase in the tax rate to cover an estimated $3 million revenue loss tied to the pending nonprofit acquisition of Our Lady of Fatima Hospital; the council scheduled public hearings and took initial action to accept the proposal into the record.
Mayor Charles A. Lombardi presented the town’s proposed fiscal year 2026–27 budget at the April 7 North Providence Town Council meeting, saying the plan balances rising property valuations and a steep revenue shortfall.
"Preliminary data indicates that property values in the town have increased by approximately 29%," Lombardi read into the record, adding that a nonprofit purchaser of Our Lady of Fatima Hospital is expected to win the bankruptcy auction and claim tax‑exempt status, creating an "estimated loss of over $3 million in real estate and tangible tax revenue this fiscal year." The letter, included in the meeting packet, also lists $8.5 million in debt service tied to the 2024 $125 million school bond and allocates $800,000 for road resurfacing.
Why it matters: The combination of a statemandated revaluation and the hospital’s likely tax‑exempt status forces the town to raise additional revenue or cut services. The administration’s proposal is a $1.50 increase in the tax rate per $1,000 of assessed value to help cover the gap while preserving core services, according to Lombardi.
Council scheduling and next steps: Lombardi announced a public budget hearing for April 27, 2026, a council work session May 1, 2026, a final budget hearing May 26, 2026, and an anticipated adoption date of June 2, 2026. Councilman Martone, identified in the meeting as finance chair, was tasked to convene department‑level meetings during April to review line items.
Council action at the meeting: After hearing the mayor’s statement, the council voted to accept the proposed budget into the meeting record and scheduled the public hearings outlined by the mayor. That procedural acceptance does not constitute final adoption; the town council will consider formal adoption after the scheduled hearings and work sessions.
What officials said: In his letter to the council, Lombardi wrote, "This proposed budget raises only the minimum revenue necessary to maintain essential operations and address our specific financial obligations. I look forward to working with the council to adopt a fiscally sound budget that meets the needs of our taxpayers." Council members used the meeting to set hearing dates and to confirm the finance committee’s role in departmental reviews.
What’s next: The council will take public testimony at the April 27 public hearing and hold additional review in May before a planned June 2 vote to adopt the budget.
