2025-16 Resolution of the Council, re: Restoration of General Revenue Sharing to Cities and Towns.

RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF MIDDLETOWN

REGARDING THE RESTORATION OF GENERAL REVENUE
SHARING TO CITIES AND TOWNS

WHEREAS: Cities and towns across Rhode Island have been struggling with the recent inflationary environment, and

WHEREAS: In 2009, the General Assembly discontinued revenue sharing due to the economic collapse, and

WHEREAS: The removal of the General Revenue sharing forced the Cities and Towns to increase property taxes to make up for the loss in revenue, and

WHEREAS: The State of Rhode Island has seen a very good rebound from the economic crisis brought on by the COVID Pandemic, and

WHEREAS: The past 3 fiscal years the State of Rhode Island has benefitted from the economic rebound with $417 and $878 million respectively and a $410 million surplus for FY 2023 an estimated $98 million for FY24, and

WHEREAS: The car tax phase payments benefited our citizens in the short term, they did not provide Cities and Towns with an escalator to make up for lost revenue and inflation.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED: That the Town Council of the Town of Middletown respectfully requests the Rhode Island General Assembly and Governor reinstate General Revenue Sharing for all 39 Cities and Towns to help reduce the impact of inflation on the citizens of Rhode Island.

BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED: That the Town Council of the Town of Middletown respectfully requests the respective City and Town Councils of Rhode Island to join in our request to have the General Assembly restore general revenue in the upcoming FY 2025 budget.

March 17, 2025
READ AND PASSED IN COUNCIL

Wendy W. Marshall
Wendy W. Marshall, MMC
Town Clerk