Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

EAST GREENWICH, R.I. -- Will the looming loss of $330,000 in state revenue force the town to go to a pay-as-you-throw trash collection system?

That was one of the options discussed Monday night as Town Manager William Sequino briefed the Town Council on some of the things that might be needed to balance this year's budget if the state budget deficit prompts the General Assembly to cut the fourth-quarter motor-vehicle excise tax payments that usually go to cities and towns.

Under the pay-as-you-throw system -- common in Massachusetts towns such as Seekonk, Swansea and Somerset -- residents can use only town-sponsored bags for their trash. The price residents pay for the bags underwrites some or all of the disposal costs.

"The problem is selling it to the community," said Councilman Mark Schwager.

Among the other options: eliminate the school resource officer.

But School Committee Chairwoman Jean Ann W. Guliano said that might not be a wise idea because the presence of an officer on school grounds makes students think twice about causing problems.

The cuts, if needed, would not be restricted to the municipal side. "We do recognize the schools' obligation to make cuts too," said Guliano.

 Tags  budget East Greenwich RI

Comments

dave from ashaway said:

In Mass., they opened the "fees in lieu of taxes" to get around prop 2.5. Same thing will happen here. Just a back door way to whack the tax payer. Spending cuts should be first on the agenda not new fees.

Link | November 24, 2009 6:50 AM
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