Cranston council asks General Assembly for one‑year levy‑cap exemption as budget backstop

The Cranston City Council on May 15 approved a resolution urging the Rhode Island General Assembly to approve a one‑year levy‑cap exemption for fiscal year 2027, with an amended maximum request not to exceed 4.99 percent. Council members described the resolution as a temporary 'backstop' to preserve options while the administration and bargaining units continue negotiating over concessions and the council finalizes allocations.

Councilman Andujar, who reported the finance committee recommendation, moved the resolution. Several council members said they favored keeping the final tax increase target well below the maximum if possible; Councilman Bonanno characterized the exemption as an emergency lever the council hopes not to need. The council corrected a scrivener's error in the resolution text during the meeting (an initial line in the agenda referenced a higher percentage) and clarified the intended ceiling.

The council took a roll call on the amended resolution and recorded unanimous support. Mayor and administration staff cautioned that any increase beyond the statutory 4% property tax cap requires legislative action and that there is no guarantee the General Assembly will approve an exemption.

The council emphasized the difference between adopting a resolution to seek state authority and actually setting a tax increase; final tax rates remain subject to further council votes, state approval where required, and any additional revenues or concessions that may materialize before June 1.