N. Providence cautiously forecasts 'deferred payday'
1:02 PM Thu, May 28, 2009 | Permalink
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NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Town Hall only has about $4 million to pay $5 million to employees and cover other bills that will come due between now and June 30, according to local officials. As a result, Mayor Charles A. Lombardi is telling employees that the town might not be able to make its payroll on June 12. Lombardi and his aides say they hope to make good on any lapse in payment about a week after the 12th. They say their ability to squeak through the end of the fiscal year will ride largely on flows of tax revenue. They hope to persuade some mortgage-holders to pay real estate taxes sooner than the end of the month, which is the norm. Also, taxpayers who choose to pay up earlier than required could make a difference, too. In general, taxpayers still owe the town about $3 million, but officials doubt they can depend on that amount of extra revenue during the final weeks of the budget year. "Right now, everything's speculation," said the town's director of administration, Rocco Gesualdi. "There's really no certainties." Still, Lombardi has taken steps to notify employees of what he has called a "dire financial plight confronting the Town of North Providence." "The town is on the verge of insolvency and projects that it will run out of money by June 12, 2009," Lombardi wrote in a May 13 e-mail to union leaders and schools officials." Though the prospect of inability to meet payroll is most unsettling, it is nonetheless inevitable. You must advise your members of this looming financial calamity so that they may be forewarned and braced for the consequences." The extreme cash flow pinch is the symptom of a deficit that's been projected at more than $10 million. "This has become a great juggling act," said Lombardi. Officials had hoped to make it through the final weeks of the year with an infusion of revenue from a supplementary tax of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed real estate value. However, they were unable to garner the necessary legislative approval for the tax. "It's not fair to have our employees living in fear of not receiving a pay check," Lombardi said. "That's why we needed the state Senate to help us get through this." CORRECTION: The original version of this story, posted at 12:11, had an incorrect verb tense in the last sentence. 
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As a North Providence resident, I am sorry to hear that town employees may face a day without pay, however they also need to get a dose of reality. As private sector workers, myself and many of my friends have been subjected to layoffs and pay cuts over the past several months. We're all taking a hit and it's time that state, city and town employees realize they are not "special". The Mayor continues to see the only solution is collecting more taxes from the citizens. Mayor, we don't have anymore to give. Sorry. The well is dry. Try looking at wasteful spending. I wonder how much the Memorial Day Parade cost the town? Just curious.
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Why is it that everyone always compares municipial workers to private sector employees, when they are not the same. Please start comparing apples to apples.
When will the taxpayers of these communities realize that yes it is unfortunate that in these days and times that the government leaders do have to do something to take control of spending/ But why is it done at the expense of public safety? What have the mayors and the town council members done to contribute to the solution? I am sure that they receive a "stipend" for their services to the cities or towns that they serve. How many of these elected officials are getting a free ride on their healthcare? Members of public safety in the past have negotiated with management, as representitives of their communities, in good faith for what we currently enjoy. What the taxpayer doesn't see is what we have given up to get something. During negotiations labor and management each have their own "wish lists". Which are usually so far a part that it takes weeks and even sometimes months, before an agreement is acceptable to both parties. What labor has obtained we've had to give up things as well. So to think that the unions are out for themselves, is totally absurd. And there are reasons for minimum manning standards for fire apparatus. On the scene of a building fire, there are so many things that have to be done at the same time. If A, B, C, and D are not done in proper sequence, there is the potential for a catostraphic outcome. In my years of service, I have had the unfortunate opportunity to attend firefighter funerals, however, I am also very fortunate that I haven't had to attend the funerals of many of my co-workers.
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Great Job! "The town is on the verge of insolvency and projects that it will run out of money by June 12, 2009," Lombardi wrote.
I was wondering how long it would take for you to run the town into the ground. You actually did it in record time. I guess all that money you spent for: New building next to public safety complex and the refurbishment of same, refurbish town hall and old town hall, public works garage, new vehicles, parades, new computers,etc. I bet you wish you had all that money you blew now!
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The town officials should institute a pool fee of of $200 for each person living in the town. The town can call it a supplemental pool fee and make it due and payable before June 12, 2009. Delinquent payments not received by the due date then be assessed a late fee of $100 plus interest at the rate of 25% per annum which would be calculated from July 1, 2008 thru the date of collection.
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As a North Providence resident for 31 yrs, I am totally disgusted! Sal Mancini must be doing back flips in his grave to think of what has become of HIS town. Say what you want about him, but he built this town and laid a foundation that has now been backfilled by incompetancy! Sure we love having a pool, a parade, a fishing derby, an after prom party etc.etc. HELLO those are luxuries!!!!! I would love to drive a Lexus but that's not happening right now. We did not need a parade this past Mon., when I went to my high school proms we had a curfew and I had to go HOME at that hour, no one threw me a dam party to go to. I would love to have a pool in my backyard but can't afford one right now, but let's keep the town one and for little or no cost to anyone at that. These are things we (our broke town) should be going WITHOUT for the time being. WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!
Does anyone care that are wells have run dry? My home is 8 yrs old and I pay this god forsaken
town taxes on it like I live in some posh Lincoln neiborhood. I have a raised ranch!!!!!
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