Firefighter overtime costs included in Mayor Elorza’s budget
By Samantha Fenlon
Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza is outlining his plans to tackle the current $13.2 million cumulative deficit in the city.
In his budget address for the fiscal year starting in 2017, Mayor Elorza says this budget takes bold steps to address fiscal challenge so we can “reinvest in economic growth, strong neighborhoods and school.”
Among the highlights – the majority of property owners in the city will see their tax bills go up because the value of houses has gone up in the city. The amount more that residents would pay depends on many factors including how much more their property is now worth. There is a tax rate reduction of 2% to help offset those costs.
Under the budget, residents will see their car tax decrease because the city is proposing doubling the exemption level to $2000.
Another interesting point to note – this budget sets aside $2 million for firefighter overtime costs and $5 million that could be used for a potential settlement.
Providence Firefighters and Mayor Elorza have have been in and out of court ever since the mayor changed the firefighters to a 3-platoon schedule.
© WLNE-TV 2016
