Woonsocket Radio News Room

 

CITY OF WOONSOCKET, RHODE ISLAND

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

 

May 15, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

Contact: Blake Collins, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.<mailto:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>, office: (401) 762-6400 ex: 2963, cell: (508) 838-3371

 

 

 

Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt Proposes FY’18 Budget Spending Plan Cuts Taxes and Invests in Roads, Public Safety and Blight Removal

 

 

 

WOONSOCKET, R.I.: Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt today announced details of her proposed Fiscal Year 2018 spending plan for the City of Woonsocket. The $140,828,691 budget proposal includes tax cuts to residential and commercial tax rates – the second consecutive year both tax categories have been lowered. The plan also proposes to double the tax exemption for war veterans and widows and widowers of war veterans.

 

 

 

“We have demonstrated that through prudent budgeting we can reduce the tax burden upon our hardworking residents, while still improving City services by investing in key sectors of the community,” said Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt. “The FY’18 budget reflects this Administration’s priorities to reduce the City’s debt burden; improve quality of life through strategic investments in our roads, parks, and public spaces; invest in public safety; eradicate blight from our neighborhoods; and stimulate economic development while still recognizing the importance of relief for our commercial rate payers.”

 

 

 

The residential real estate tax rate is proposed to be lowered 3.14%. As an example, a single-family owner-occupied home assessed at $150,000 would save $112.50 on their tax bill at the new proposed rate. In addition, those eligible for a veteran’s exemption (war veteran, widows and widowers of war veterans) will receive an exemption credit which has been doubled to $158.76 from $79.38.

 

 

 

“This budget is our roadmap for the next fiscal year, and it is critical that our City has competitive tax rates as it still improves the quality of life for residents and businesses in the community,” added Mayor Baldelli-Hunt. “Our goal, through responsible budgeting, is to invest in immediate improvements for Woonsocket, and lay a foundation for future budget stability.

 

 

 

Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt’s FY’18 proposed budget can be read in full here: http://bit.ly/2qlh5sH.

 

 

 

 

 

-30-

 

Former President Trump is complaining that he can't be on the campaign trail because of what he calls a ridiculous trial in New York City. Speaking right after the 12 jurors were selected on Thursday, Trump said the "whole world is watching this scam" and went on to read news articles criticizing the case. The judge hopes to have the six alternates selected by Friday.        House Speaker Mike Johnson needs the help of Democrats to get his foreign aid package across the finish line. Johnson is moving forward with a plan to vote on separate bills to send military assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific, as well as a bill that includes border security measures. However, several conservatives quickly came out against the plan, arguing border policy changes should be directly tied to any additional funding for Ukraine.        The United States plans to veto a Palestinian bid to be recognized as a full member of the United Nations. The State Department calls the Palestinian Authority's effort to gain member status premature. The department said the Security Council's 15 members do not fully agree that the Palestinian Authority met the membership criteria, including standing questions about who governs the Gaza Strip.       The FBI is concerned about threats to Jewish communities in the U.S. as Passover approaches. FBI Director Christopher Wray spoke during an event on Wednesday hosted by a Jewish community nonprofit safety and training organization called Secure Community Network. Wray told the group of security officials the FBI looks for "lone actors" who might target high profile events or religious locations for violence.        Attorneys for Idaho murder suspect Bryan Kohberger filed their client's alibi defense just ahead of the deadline. The 29-year-old Kohberger is accused of fatally stabbing four University of Idaho students in November of 2022, and has pleaded not guilty. Late Wednesday, Kohberger's lawyers submitted a ten-page filing that claimed he was out driving in the early morning hours of November 13th, "as he often did to hike and run and/or see the moon and stars."        Allman Brothers Band singer-guitarist Dickey Betts has died at the age of 80. They said Betts passed away peacefully Thursday at his home in Osprey, Florida surrounded by his family. Betts wrote and sung on the Allman Brothers Band hit "Ramblin' Man" which peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.        

Old News Archives