1. CALL TO ORDER

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

Council President Hilton called the meeting to order with the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

3. ROLL CALL

Acting Town Administrator Chris Cotta, Assistant Solicitor Travis DeCosta, and Deputy Clerk Veegh were also present

4. OPEN SESSION

A.  Public Hearing pursuant to RIGL 45-2-3.2(c) for the purpose of discussing and ultimate vote regarding the possible continuation of the appropriations and levy for fiscal year 2020 for no longer than ninety (90) days in support of local municipal services in fiscal year 2021

Council President Hilton began discussion noting that legislating had recently passed in the General Assembly that allowed municipalities to extend their appropriation and levy from the prior fiscal year into the new fiscal year as a result of the state of emergencies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposal would allow the Town to extend existing budget and tax levy for a period not to exceed 90 days. She furthered that as the Town won’t have a new budget for FY2021 until after the state enacts its budget, in order to have concrete numbers, an extension of the current budget and tax rate for one quarter would allow the town to maintain proper cash flow, pay bills and allow the Budget Committee to craft a more realistic and more accurate budget for FY2021.

Assistant Solicitor DeCosta noted for the record that pursuant to RIGL 45-2-3.2(c), all 10 day prior advertising statutory requirements had been met.  

President Hilton the opened the hearing for public comments. Administrator Cotta called several times for members of the public who wished to speak; there were none. Deputy Clerk Veegh confirmed that no written/emailed relative comments had been received by the Clerk’s Office.  President Hilton then closed the hearing for public comments.   

Councilor Edwards motioned to authorize the Town of Tiverton, pursuant to RIGL 45-2-3.2(b-1), to continue the FY20 Tiverton’s appropriation and tax levy for 90 days, in support of local municipal services in FY2021 and to further authorize the Town Council president to sign a resolution reflecting the decision of the Town Council. Seconded by Councilor Perry, the motion passed unanimously.

B.   Discussion and Vote for extension of grace period: for first quarter property tax payment

At this time, Council President Hilton deferred to the Administrator to discuss when the new Q1 tax bill will be due and what grace period there should be. Administrator Cotta noted it would take approximately two weeks to get the bills out, therefore he recommended an August 1, 2020 deadline with a 10 day grace period.

Councilor Cook motioned to approve the first quarter property tax due date of August 1, 2020 with a 10 day grace period. Seconded by Councilor Perry, motion passed unanimously.

5. ADJOURNMENT

Councilor deMedeiros motioned to adjourn, seconded by Councilor Edwards. Motion passed unanimously.     

The meeting adjourned 7:25 p.m.

A True Copy.

ATTEST:   _______________________________

                          Nancy L. Mello, Town Clerk