2026-11 Resolution of the Council, re: Regarding the 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 this 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 State of Rhode Island has benefitted the past three fiscal years from the economic rebound with a surplus of $878 million for FY 2022, $410 million for FY 2023, and $292 million for FY 2024; and

WHEREAS: One-time expenses for much needed repairs of our beautiful State House in the amount of $70 million were built into the FY 2024 budget and can simply be reallocated to General Revenue Sharing.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

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

BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED: That the Middletown Town Council 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 2027 budget.

JANUARY 20, 2026

READ AND PASSED IN COUNCIL

Wendy J. W. Marshall
MMC
Town Clerk