Funding cuts possible to local cities

Additional cuts in state aid to already struggling cities and towns, could be on the way, as state lawmakers return to discuss the current budget crisis.

During a Thursday hearing state lawmakers were feeling the pressure to come up with ways to make cuts. Dan Beardsley, of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns, says cuts to communities could greatly impact police, fire, and public works, potentially putting Rhode Islanders at risk, when they need help the most. Additional services such as senior assistance, libraries and trash collection could also be negatively impacted.

Cities and towns have learned that in additional to the already 80 million they were missing, another 45 million will also be deducted. Senator David Bates, (R-Barrington-Bristol), feels that towns should have been given more advance notice of the deductions, because many will be caught off guard by the sudden cuts, after already completing their budgets.