Providence City Council adopts 2024 budget

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Providence City Council passed the Fiscal Year 2024 budget on Friday.

The budget passed in a 12-to-1 vote after the city’s Finance Committee approved it early in the week.

Director of Communications Parker Gavigan said the budget modifies residential and commercial property tax rates, helps owner-occupied residents, and asks Mayor Brett Smiley to negotiate agreements with tax-exempt institutions to allow for investment in quality of life improvements for city residents.

Highlights Gavigan gave of the budget include a residential property tax rate increase to $18.35 per $1,000, a commercial property tax decrease to $35.10 per $1,000, $4.1 million in tax savings, and a hiring freeze on non-essential personnel.

Councilor Helen Anthony was not present for the vote as she is still in hospital after being hit by a van in California.