Lawmakers introduce bill to enable shared municipal services
By The Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) _ State legislators have introduced a bill that would help make it easier to share services between towns and cities in an effort to decrease costs.
The Joint Municipal Shared Services Study Commission, led by Lt. Gov. Daniel J. McKee, announced the legislation Friday, saying it will allow for voluntary agreements between cities, towns, fire districts, school districts and other taxing authorities.
The commission says this would be the best way to take advantage of the state’s small size and population.
Gov. Gina Raimondo signed an executive order in February to address growing municipal costs.
Raimondo has set aside $100,000 in the state’s budget for a municipal innovation fund to support collaborative, innovative projects.
McKee’s office has sent a survey to each town to determine which services they might share.
© The Associated Press / WLNE-TV 2015
