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North Smithfield council approves fiscal 2026–27 budgets, sets levy
Summary
Council adopted the town's 2026'027 budgets for major departments, approved a multi-million dollar sewer upgrade plan, and set the property-tax levy; most departmental budgets passed unanimously after reallocations of capital items and contingency funds.
The North Smithfield Town Council approved the bulk of the 2026–27 departmental budgets on June 23, voting to adopt the revenue and expense totals and to set the town's levy for the year. The meeting included several rescind-and-approve votes as members adjusted capital lines to reduce levy pressure while keeping major projects funded.
Council members unanimously approved the highway department budget after trimming capital items, including reducing heavy-equipment spending and lowering the road-repair line to an estimated $1.1 million for a reconstruction contract. A roll-call vote on the amended highway total passed with all four members present voting yes.
Police capital was confirmed (Axon tasers at $32,286.37 and one cruiser at $77,858.67). Council also added a new $35,000 police line for special-event/school security after an extended discussion about details costs and reimbursement from state grants for some equipment. The EMA budget, including a revised dispatch radio and console plan, was approved as presented.
On fire and rescue, the council voted to allocate funds in Fund 120 (EMS fund) for apparatus replacement: $15,750 toward rescue one, $110,000 toward rescue two, $75,000 toward engine one and $75,245 toward engine two. The council discussed financing and the long lead times for ordered apparatus.
The council approved water and sewer budgets and a plan to finance a roughly $4 million package of sewer pump-station upgrades that are now at 30% design. Water capital includes an estimated $110,000–$120,000 TTHM treatment for Comtock Tank. William Dakota, superintendent of water and sewer, warned the council that purchased water costs were a principal driver of rate increases.
After reallocations and a final set of changes the council set the 2026'027 tax levy and approved the town's method of taxation, including the schedule (four installments with penalty rules) and the warrant language required for tax collection.
Votes at a glance: highway (approved, roll-call yes), EMA (approved), police department budget (approved, included new $35,000 event-security line), fire/rescue departmental allocations to Fund 120 (approved), water budget and revenue (approved), sewer budget and revenue (approved), method of taxation and levy (approved). The council recessed briefly for an executive session on collective bargaining and litigation matters and returned to adjourn.
