by Billy Kepner | Jul 29, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15
I have learned that Councilman Luis A. Aponte has entered into a plea agreement and will resign as a member of the Providence City Council, a post he held for more than two decades.
As public servants, we are held to a higher standard and Councilman Aponte’s resignation is a necessary and important step forward as we continue to focus on creating greater opportunities and improving quality of life for Providence’s residents and taxpayers.
Sabina Matos, President, Providence City Council, Councilwoman – Ward 15
Me he enterado que el Concejal Luis Aponte ha llegado a un acuerdo con la fiscalía y renunciara inmediatamente como miembro del Concejo Municipal de Providence, cargo que ocupó durante más de dos décadas.
Como servidores públicos, estamos sujetos a mantener un estándar más alto, la renuncia del Concejal Aponte es un paso necesario e importante hacia adelante mientras seguimos enfocados en crear mayores oportunidades para mejorar la calidad de vida de los constituyentes de Providence.
Sabina Matos, Presidenta, el Consejo Municipal Providence, Concejal – Distrito 15
by Billy Kepner | Jul 19, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-11, Ward-15, Ward-4, Ward-5, Ward-6, Ward-7
Statement from City Council President Sabina Matos and the City Council Leadership Team Regarding the States’ Takeover of the Providence City School District:
In the aftermath of the Providence Public School District Community Forums and on the eve of a state takeover of our public school district, the City Council remains committed to playing a collaborative role in our children’s educational future.
We look forward to the opportunity to work in partnership with RIDE and to help foster solutions that will improve educational outcomes for our kids.
Despite the Mayor not being communicative or transparent with the Council in these preliminary stages of this process, we remain unwavering in our shared responsibilities to provide students with safer and cleaner school buildings, a more relevant and rigorous curriculum, and a quality of education that sets them up for success.
—
Council President Sabina Matos
Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia
Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan
Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr.
Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris
Majority Whip John J. Igliozzi, Esq.
by Billy Kepner | Jul 18, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-13, Ward-15, Ward-6
Ward 13 Councilwoman, Rachel Miller, introduced an ordinance tonight that calls for a one-year moratorium on any new late-night (2:00 AM) operating, liquor or entertainment licenses in the Federal Hill Neighborhood. She was joined by co-sponsors Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), President Pro Tempore Michael Correia (Ward 6), Senior Deputy Majority Leader Nicholas J. Narducci Jr. (Ward 4), and Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11).
“Let me be clear, this ordinance does not affect any existing businesses with existing track records on the Hill, just new businesses coming online in the next year,” stated Councilwoman Rachel Miller. “We need a citywide policy to take on the problems that exist when nightclubs co-exist in our residential neighborhoods. During this one-year moratorium, I will be working with my colleagues in city government, including the City’s Board of Licenses, to propose and vet policy solutions that server everyone in our city. I have heard from many residents and business owners regarding their concerns of problems related to club activities, even when clubs are operating with the best of intentions and with the best security protocols, problems still occur.”
Councilwoman Miller continued, “Federal Hill is a unique neighborhood in Providence, but the problems with night clubs in a residential neighborhood are not unique to Federal Hill. We need to come together citywide to craft legislation that works for every neighborhood. Federal Hill is a jewel in Providence, for the tourists who visit, for the businesses and restaurants, and for the hundreds of residents who call Federal Hill home. Tonight, we took a step together to create peace of mind and peace while we work together in City government and with our neighborhoods to create a citywide solution.”
The amendment to Chapter 14 of the Code of Ordinances will take effect upon second passage by the full Council, and will immediately put into effect a one-year moratorium on any new 2:00 AM operating or liquor license on Atwells Avenue and adjoining streets in the Federal Hill Neighborhood.
Council President Sabina Matos stated, “I am in complete support of Councilwoman Miller’s ordinance. It is fair, reasonable, and a thoughtful approach to addressing quality of life issues that happen when nightclubs are operating in residential neighborhoods. I look forward to working with her and our colleagues on how we can better protect our neighbors, preserve our unique communities, and foster greater relationships with existing and new businesses that want to open in our neighborhoods.
To read a copy of the amended ordinance, please visit the open meetings portal: Chapter 14, Article X, Section 14-234.
by Billy Kepner | Jul 18, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-5
Tonight, I introduced a resolution calling on the administration to complete a formal and thorough analysis of the JUMP Bikes, Bird and Lime e-Scooters. I am seeking a review of the contracts, internal controls, and program operations so that we can fully analyze the benefits and shortcomings that these are having in our community.
We understand the benefits that having access to alternative transportation provides in our urban center, but we must examine how these particular products are affecting the quality of life in our City.
I, along with my colleagues, have received calls from residents and business owners about bikes or scooters being left in front of properties, blocking driveways and walkways, and having many ‘close calls’ on our roadways.
I hope that the City can provide the Council with a thorough analysis to make sure that these modes of transportation are benefiting our community and not causing unintended harm to the quality of life that our residents deserve.
by Billy Kepner | Jul 18, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-4
This evening I will introduce an ordinance that will help ensure the safety of pedestrians, student fundraisers, and panhandlers on our streets. All too often we see young people raising money for their sports teams or other organizations standing at busy intersections, and I’m always concerned for their safety.
Even with Rhode Island’s “Hands-Free Law,” distracted driving is still a problem in Providence and around the state. This proposed legislation is meant to protect individuals who are actively soliciting donations from a myriad of dangers; including being hit by vehicles, causing unintended accidents, and even death. On June 17, 2019, a panhandler was stabbed to death, and another was beaten and died from their injuries over a year ago at the off-ramp on Branch Avenue.
This ordinance is not the end, but it’s the beginning of a tough conversation of how we balance freedom of speech and personal safety. I don’t know the answers, but as a legislator, I know that I have a moral obligation to protect the lives of those that call Providence home.
I’m aware of the ACLU’s position and legal accomplishments in similar cases, and I’m hoping that we can work together to find solutions that don’t infringe on people’s rights, yet keeps them out of harms way.
by Billy Kepner | Jul 9, 2019 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-15, Ward-5, Ward-7
Providence City Council Passes 2020 Budget Which Brings Back the Homestead Exemption
Providing Relief for Providence Homeowners
Tonight, the Providence City Council passed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Budget at their regularly scheduled meeting. The budget ordinance was signed by Mayor Jorge O. Elorza immediately following tonight’s Council Meeting.
The FY 2020 budget includes a tax levy ordinance that brings back a homestead exemption (in addition to other exemptions like senior, widow, veteran, etc.) The levy is a flat tax rate of $24.56/per thousand along with a homestead exemption of 40%. Below is the formula to find your proposed tax rate:
(Assessed Property Value – 40%) x $24.56 ÷1,000 = FY2020 Property Tax Bill
“I again want to express my thanks to the Committee on Finance, the Council’s finance team, Council staff including the Clerk’s Department, the Internal Auditor’s department, and the Treasury Department for their hard work during this process,” stated Council President Sabina Matos. “With the budget in the rear view mirror, that work continues, and I know that we are ready for the challenges that lay ahead. I look forward to continuing working with Mayor Elorza and my Council Colleagues on the many issues that face our city, especially around education, housing, and pension reform.”
In addition to the homestead exemption, the City offers several other exemptions for residents to help provide tax relief where applicable. To register for these exemptions, you must contact and fill out the appropriate paperwork in the Tax Assessors Office. The Tax Assessor is located on the second floor of the Providence City Hall at 25 Dorrance Street in Providence.
Chairman of the Committee on Finance and Councilman John J. Igliozzi stated, “It’s important for our residents to know what is available to them to help mitigate their property tax burden. By bringing back the homestead exemption, we are putting everyone, regardless of where they live, on equal footing. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Committee and on the Council to move our City forward and to address the fiscal issues that we face head-on.”
Below is a complete list of exemptions, in addition to the Homestead Exemption, that residents may be eligible for:
- Elderly Exemption: Any person 65 years of age before December 31 or any person 62 years of age before December 31 and receiving Social Security Retirement Benefits are eligible for this exemption. The maximum exemption is $27,181. One must live in their home to be eligible for this exemption.
- Social Security Exemption: Any person Certified through Social Security Administration to be 100% disabled who owns and lives in their home are eligible for disability exemptions. The maximum exemption is $26,543.
- Service Disability: Any person 100% service connected disabled certified by the Veterans Administration who owns and lives in their home are eligible for a service disability exemption. The exemption is $16,330.
- Blind Exemption: Any person who is certified blind by his or her physician will be eligible for the blind exemption. One must live in their home to be eligible for this exemption. The maximum exemption is $48,989.
- Veteran Exemption: Any person honorably discharged from a recognized conflict, widow of a veteran or gold star parent, POW, in accordance with R.I.G.L. 44-3-4) shall be eligible for a veteran exemption. There is no form for the Veterans’ Exemption. Applicants need only submit their DD214 (discharge form). The maximum exemption is $8,138.
- Indigent Exemption: Rhode Island General Law 44-3-3 (16) states, any person deemed impoverished may request relief from taxes. To qualify for consideration, you must reside in the home for an entire calendar year. Provide the Assessor’s Office with any and all documents to substantiate your request. Come to City Hall for a further interview, if necessary.
“Many residents have told me that they were unaware that the City offers several different exemptions for homeowners,” stated Vice-Chairwoman of the Committee on Finance and Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan. “These exemptions are in place to help the most vulnerable among us, and it is important that we share these with our neighbors. As we move into the new fiscal year, I look forward to working to help keep our City in good fiscal shape. We have much work to do around pensions, spending, and education – but we are up to the challenge.”
The State of Rhode Island also offers property tax relief through their Form 1040H. The refund is calculated based on the amount by which property taxes (or rent) exceed a percentage of the household income. The maximum refund is $300. You must be at least 65 years of age or older, or disabled. You must have been domiciled in Rhode Island for the entire calendar year. Your household income must have been $300K or less. You must have lived in a household or rented a dwelling that was subject to property taxes. You must be current on property tax and rent payments due on your homestead for all prior years and on current installments. You can find the tax form at www.tax.ri.gov/taxforms/personal.php
In addition to the exemptions listed, residents have 90 days to appeal their current tax bill from the date the first payment is due. Residents may appeal their assessment if they feel that their home is overvalued (assessed value is more than the fair market value as of December 31 of last year); disproportionately assessed in comparison with other properties; classified incorrectly as residential, commercial industrial or open space, farm or forest; illegal tax partially or fully exempt; modified from its condition from the time of the last update or revaluation. To appeal tax bill residents can do so online by visiting the Tax Assessors website or by mail.
