Rhode IslandH85922026 Regular SessionHouse

AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET TO PROVIDE FOR THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, RECONSTRUCTION, REPAIR AND EQUIPPING OF STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND OTHER TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DRAINAGE AND LANDSCAPING AND AUTHORIZING THE FINANCING THEREOF, INCLUDING THE ISSUE OF NOT MORE THAN $2,000,000 BONDS AND NOTES THEREFOR, TO FUND THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR THE TWO FISCAL YEARS 2028 AND 2029 .

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

Property taxes back these bonds

The city must set aside enough each year to pay principal and interest on these bonds and notes. If it does not, the unpaid amount is added to the annual tax levy. All taxable property in Pawtucket can be taxed without a rate limit to make these payments.

Street and sidewalk upgrades in Pawtucket

The law lets Pawtucket sell up to $2,000,000 in bonds for street and sidewalk work in fiscal years 2028 and 2029. Money can fund design, construction, repair, drainage, landscaping, and needed equipment. The treasurer may invest bond proceeds until used, and may apply sale premiums and allowed earnings to project costs, issuance costs, or debt service. With council approval, the treasurer can advance general funds to start work and repay them later from bond sales or federal or state aid. The city can also seek federal or state grants to reduce local costs.

Debt rules and short-term notes

The city may issue temporary notes before bonds or aid arrive, but notes cannot exceed the authorized bonds or the treasurer’s estimate of aid. Notes must be repaid within five years, including any renewals. The city can refinance notes, but total temporary notes cannot be more than 200% of the authorized bonds; extra proceeds must be held in trust to pay refunded notes. Bonds issued under this law do not count against the city’s normal debt limit. The city can issue these bonds without other government approvals, and the mayor and treasurer can sign needed tax and disclosure papers. Seven years after the law takes effect, the council may cancel any unused borrowing authority.

Voters must approve this borrowing

Pawtucket voters decide this borrowing at the next general election or at an earlier special election if called. The election rules in this law take effect now. The borrowing and other parts of the law take effect only if a majority votes yes.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Mary Messier
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Karen Alzate
Democratic • House
Cherie L. Cruz
Democratic • House
Jennifer A. Stewart
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 68 • No: 0

House vote • 6/8/2026

PAWTUCKET BONDS & NOTES PASSAGE