PUBLIC HEARING of the Burrillville Town Council to be held Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 7:09 P.M. in the Council Chamber, Town Building, 105 Harrisville Main St., Harrisville for and within the Town of Burrillville.
PRESENT: Council President Nancy F. Binns, Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr. and Norman C. Mainville.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilor Cynthia L. Roe was excused due to family illness.
Relative to considering and acting on the following proposed changes to the Revised General Ordinances of the Town of Burrillville:
The Town Council of the Town of Burrillville hereby ordains as follows:
The Revised General Ordinances, Town of Burrillville, RI, 2004, Chapter 25 entitled Taxation are hereby amended as follows:
Sec. 25-81. Schedule.
TABLE INSET:
G.L.1956 Exemption Title Tax Credit
§ 44-3-4 P.O.W. veteran $900.00
§ 44-3-4 Veteran 225.00
§ 44-3-4 Totally disabled Veteran 300.00
§ 44-3-5 Gold Star parent 225.00
§ 44-3-12 Visually impaired person 300.00
§ 44-3-15 Totally disabled person 325.00
§ 44-3-35 Totally disabled person 175.00, effective July 1, 2004
§ 44-3-35 Totally disabled person 225.00, effective July 1, 2005
325.00
Chapter 22 of the
Public Laws of 1973 Senior citizen 225.00
325.00
Sec. 25-82. Tax credits based on household income.
TABLE INSET:
Gross Household Income Tax Credit Tax Credit
$ 0.00 -- $12,500.00 $1,000.00 $1,200.00
12,501.00 -- 14,999.00 900.00 1,150.00
15,000.00 -- 17,499.00 800.00 900.00
17,500.00 -- 19,999.00 700.00 800.00
20,000.00 -- 22,499.00 600.00 700.00
22,500.00 -- 24,999.00 500.00 600.00
25,000.00 -- 27,499.00 400.00 500.00
27,500.00 -- 29,999.00 300.00 400.00
30,000.00 and higher See note 325.00
This ordinance will take effect upon passage and will apply beginning with the 2008 tax bills for FY2009 which are based on assessments as of December 31, 2007.
NOTE: The notice of hearing was advertised in the legal section of the Woonsocket Call on April 16, 2008.
1. Comments/Input/Recommendation from the Ordinance Subcommittee
Councilor Margaret L. Dudley, Chair of the Ordinance Subcommittee, said that the ordinance had been recommended by two members of the Council. She said that the proposal had been discussed by members of the Ordinance Subcommittee. Despite differing opinions, the Ordinance Subcommittee unanimously recommended passage. Councilor Dudley explained that the ordinance allows for an increase in the amount of tax credits for totally disabled individuals and for senior citizens and also increases the tax credits based on household income. Councilor Dudley said that the intent was to assist those dealing with economic difficulties. She said that there was money available under the limits prescribed by the original legislation.
2. Comments/Input/Recommendations by the Administration (Town Solicitor, Town Manager, Administrative Staff)
Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, noted that the proposal is a policy decision of the Town Council. Mr. Wood referenced tables provided to the Town Council which indicate the impact of the proposed changes. Copies of the charts are on file with the record of the hearing.
3. Proponents:
Michele Badessa asked for an explanation of "Gold Star Parents". Council President Binns explained that a Gold Star Parents is one who lost a son or daughter in the service during wartime.
David Rossi asked whether people could receive credits in more than one category. John P. Mainville, Finance Director, explained that a person could receive more than one tax credit. The state law controlling tax exemptions was discussed.
4. Opponents: None
5. VOTED to close the public hearing.
Motion by Councilor Norman C. Mainville. Seconded by Councilor John M. Karmozyn, Jr. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Nancy F. Binns and Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., and Norman C. Mainville. Councilor Cynthia L. Roe was excused.
6. Town Council Members Comments/Input/Deliberation
Councilor Kevin M. Blais asked whether there was any restriction on the number of tax credits for which a resident could apply. The state law controlling tax exemptions was discussed. Councilor Margaret L. Dudley noted that only the value of the tax credits was proposed to be changed; all other procedures remain in effect.
Councilor Kevin M. Blais asked the impact of the proposed changes. The impact tables referred to earlier by Mr. Wood were reviewed.
7. VOTED to adopt amendments to the Revised General Ordinances of The Town of Burrillville 2004, Chapter 25 entitled Taxation, as follows:
The Town Council of the Town of Burrillville hereby ordains as follows:
The Revised General Ordinances, Town of Burrillville, RI, 2004, Chapter 25 entitled Taxation is hereby amended as follows:
Sec. 25-81. Schedule.
TABLE INSET:
G.L.1956 Exemption Title Tax Credit
§ 44-3-4 P.O.W. veteran $900.00
§ 44-3-4 Veteran 225.00
§ 44-3-4 Totally disabled Veteran 300.00
§ 44-3-5 Gold Star parent 225.00
§ 44-3-12 Visually impaired person 300.00
§ 44-3-35 Totally disabled person 325.00
Chapter 22 of the
Public Laws of 1973 Senior citizen 325.00
Sec. 25-82. Tax credits based on household income.
TABLE INSET:
Gross Household Income Tax Credit
$ 0.00 -- $12,500.00 $1,200.00
12,501.00 -- 14,999.00 1,150.00
15,000.00 -- 17,499.00 900.00
17,500.00 -- 19,999.00 800.00
20,000.00 -- 22,499.00 700.00
22,500.00 -- 24,999.00 600.00
25,000.00 -- 27,499.00 500.00
27,500.00 -- 29,999.00 400.00
30,000.00 and higher 325.00
This ordinance will take effect upon passage and will apply beginning with the 2008 tax bills for FY2009 which are based on assessments as of December 31, 2007.
Adopted this 23 day of April 2008
Motion by Councilor John M. Karmozyn, Jr. Seconded by Councilor Wallace F. Lees. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Nancy F. Binns and Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., and Norman C. Mainville. Councilor Cynthia L. Roe was excused.
8. VOTED to adjourn at 7:16 P.M.
Motion by Councilor Wallace F. Lees. Seconded by Councilor John M. Karmozyn, Jr. The vote was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Nancy F. Binns and Councilors Wallace F. Lees, Kevin M. Blais, Margaret L. Dudley, John M. Karmozyn Jr., and Norman C. Mainville. Councilor Cynthia L. Roe was excused.
The hearing was taped. The tape is on file with the record of the hearing.
Louise R. Phaneuf, Town Clerk
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