Coronavirus is hurting our residents and economy, taxes shouldn’t

PAWTUCKET - Mayor Donald R. Grebien and the Pawtucket City Council announced today that tax rates for the upcoming fiscal year billing cycle will be held flat at this year’s rates for both residential and commercial property. This no-tax-increase budget commitment comes as more and more coronavirus-related restrictions get imposed on businesses and unemployment claims are skyrocketing.

“These are hard times for everyone. We're all in this together though. We want to provide some level of certainty in these uncertain times for our taxpayers. Therefore, the City of Pawtucket has committed to holding the line on property taxes this July,” said Mayor Donald R. Grebien. “As people are closing their businesses and losing their jobs, we know the last thing anyone wants to worry about is how they're going to deal with their property tax bills going up. As our residents’ finances get tighter so should the City’s. We cannot turn around and ask families in Pawtucket to sacrifice more than necessary. The Administration and City Council will continue to prioritize fiscal responsibility and focus on our taxpayers’ ability to pay.”

“We’re pleased to take this reasonable step up to help our residents,” said Council President David Moran. “I view this as the moral thing to do. Our residents and businesses have been hit hard by coronavirus restrictions. They shouldn’t be hit harder by their local government. We’re here to serve them, after all. The Pawtucket City Council takes its responsibility to our taxpayers incredibly seriously and we will continue to focus on helping them get through the challenges that we are all facing.”

“As we all know, costs go up and essential services must continue to be a priority,” stated Council President Pro Tempore Terry Mercer. “However, we cannot forget about the taxpayers of Pawtucket. As we move into next fiscal year, it's important for all of us to hit the pause button, and be allowed to weather the current financial storm. We will continue to evaluate our fiscal position and the needs of our community in the months ahead. The City will take any step necessary going forward to ensure that all services will continue while holding our taxpayers as harmless as possible during these times”

City Council Finance Committee Chair John Barry, III said, “We know people are hurting right now, and we don't want any additional stress placed on our residents or small businesses during these challenging times. As we proceed into next fiscal year, it will be incumbent upon our city government to manage its finances and tighten its belt, just as all of our community members will have to do.” Councilor Barry concluded, “We know the General Assembly of Rhode Island is committed to our property taxpayers, as well, and we hope they will step up to the plate too with a commitment to restoring State Aid to local governments, continuing the car tax phase out and increasing aid to our schools. Together, government can do its part to help the Rhode Island community get through this crisis.”

City Hall remains open to taxpayer walk-ins on a limited basis, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Any taxpayer with questions about taxes or the upcoming April 15th deadline is encouraged to call the Treasurer’s Office at extension 344. Other City Hall offices are open by appointment only. Appointments can be scheduled at www.pawtucketri.com or by calling 401-728-0500.

The City of Pawtucket offers its sincere thanks to all residents and businesses who are doing their part to keep everyone safe and healthy during these challenging times. We encourage everyone to follow all COVID-19 guidelines provided by the Department of Health and all of the orders by the State of Rhode Island. For more information about the virus, please visit www.health.ri.gov/diseases/ncov2019 and www.pawtucketri.com/covid19.

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