VOTE TODAY!

From the RICHMOND, RI TOWN GOVERNMENT PAGE

A reminder that the Town's ANNUAL BUDGET REFERENDUM is ongoing TODAY between the hours of 8am and 8pm. All polling will take place at the TOWN HALL.

On Monday, June 5th Richmond taxpayers will be asked to vote on the fiscal year 2024 municipal budget. The budget presented is based on many months of work, beginning with staff in December, the Finance Board spending many nights combing through it throughout the winter months, with the Town Council holding budget workshops, and finally two advertised public hearings held in April and May. The Town Council listened to residents, and a majority voted to send the budget to the voters with no increase in tax revenue over FY-23. WITH THE RECENT REVALUATION, MOST RESIDENTS WILL SEE LITTLE OR NO CHANGE IN THEIR TAX BILLS.

THE CHARIHO SCHOOL BUDGET IS ALREADY SET. THIS VOTE IS FOR THE MUNICIPAL PORTION OF THE BUDGET.

The Town runs a very lean budget. This year's increases are completely offset by revenues and a small use of fund balance. Municipal funds are used to pay for services such as paving and road patching, and essential items such as police equipment. It also pays the salaries of a town staff that is only moderately paid, but that is second to none.

This year there has been concern over the high tax burden to residents. Unfortunately, Richmond has very little commercial development to offset residential taxes. All of this was taken into account at the time the budget was prepared. To vote the budget down, in accordance with the Charter provision, the result would be a decrease of only around $43,000. This decrease would affect only the municipal portion of the budget; Chariho would still get what was allocated to them in the school budget referendum on April 4th.

Please support your Town Council and the staff by voting YES on Monday.

All polling will take place at the Richmond Town Hall between the hours of 8 am and 8 pm.