Rhode IslandH85802026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT RELATING TO THE NORTH TIVERTON FIRE DISTRICT .

Sponsored By: John G. Edwards (Democratic)

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 5 mixed.

Payment rules if district takes land

When the district takes private property, it must deposit enough money in Superior Court to cover compensation, as the court decides. The treasurer can pay owners from these funds. The district’s full faith and credit backs payment. The court gives notice to owners and can appoint a guardian for minors or those unable to act.

District taxes and debt backed by property

Electors may levy ad valorem property taxes to fund water works, hydrants, expenses, and debt. Assessors use the last town valuation; the district may offer an early-payment discount and charge up to 12% per year for late payment. The district can issue bonds; principal must start within 3 years and end by 50 years. Each year it must set aside money for debt service; if not, the amount is added to the tax levy, with no rate or amount limit on taxable property. The district can borrow up to 80% of the tax levy in short-term notes, due within 1 year and renewable so total time does not exceed 3 years; taxes must be levied to repay them. District-owned water property is exempt from state and local property tax, so private taxable property in the district funds these obligations.

District water bills, liens, and shutoffs

The district may be the only local water supplier and can set prices. Owners of properties served must pay for water. Unpaid water bills become a lien on the property and are collected like property taxes. The district can enter and shut off water for nonpayment and will not restore service until all charges and penalties are paid. Payments are applied first to any unpaid taxes. Staff can inspect meters and valves; if access is refused after certified-mail notice, service may be shut off.

New North Tiverton district boundaries

The law redefines the North Tiverton Fire District to include all of Tiverton except a roughly 1,200‑acre Stone Bridge area. Properties inside the new lines are subject to district services, charges, taxes, and voting rules.

Who can vote and meeting rules

To vote, you must be eligible to vote at a Tiverton financial town meeting, live in the district, and own property that gets district water or abuts a street with an active district water main. The annual meeting is the first Tuesday in June. Special meetings need the board’s order or a written request from at least 75 electors. Notices must be posted in 10 places and published at least 7 days ahead. At least 30 electors must be present to vote, except to adjourn or elect officers.

State tax break on district bonds

Interest and gains on district bonds and notes are exempt from Rhode Island state and local taxes. Estate and succession taxes still apply.

Changes to district tax assessors

After the 2026 annual meeting, the number of tax assessors drops to four, but only as sitting assessors resign; vacant seats are not filled until there are four. Starting with the 2005 annual meeting, two assessor seats may be held by any district elector. These changes affect who serves, not tax rates.

District can dig up roads for pipes

The district can enter and excavate roads and streets to lay or fix water pipes and equipment. It must restore the road to current public works standards. If your lawfully placed pipe or conduit is damaged or must move, the district must pay for the damage or relocation.

Town water powers for the district

The district can act like a corporation, with a common seal, and can sue and be sued. For water supply, district voters have the same powers as town electors, and the board has the same powers as a town council. They also take on the same duties and liabilities under state municipal water law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

John G. Edwards
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Samuel A. Azzinaro
Democratic • House
David A. Bennett
Democratic • House
Terri Cortvriend
Democratic • House
Brian Patrick Kennedy
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 70 • No: 0

House vote • 6/10/2026

NORTH TIVERTON FIRE DISTRICT PASSAGE