EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Proposed projects in some Rhode Island cities and towns will be able to move forward after Tuesday’s special election, while others were rejected by voters.
Most of the bond questions that passed involve borrowing millions of dollars to fund school renovations. But others, like North Kingstown’s so-called “mega-bond,” failed to win approval.
Below is a breakdown of ballot questions in Rhode Island, along with the results for each.
Skip to your city/town: Barrington ☆ Bristol ☆ Central Falls ☆ Cumberland ☆ East Greenwich ☆ Lincoln ☆ Middletown ☆ North Kingstown ☆ North Smithfield ☆ Warren
Barrington
Voters approved a $250 million bond to fund improvements at the town’s high school and elementary schools. The buildings not only need repairs, but also more space, with enrollment expected to continue to grow, according to school officials.
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Bristol
The towns of Bristol and Warren will be able borrow up to $200 million so the district can replace Mt. Hope High School and renovate other school buildings. The measure passed with the support from a majority of voters between the two towns.
Central Falls
Residents approved three proposed changes to the city charter on their ballots. One adds a nondiscrimination and equity provision; one allows the Department of Public Safety to give preference in hiring to residents, veterans and multilingual candidates; one will modernize the city’s election laws.
Cumberland
B.F. Norton Elementary School will be rebuilt after voters approved a $52 million bond.
East Greenwich
The town will borrow up to $150 million to fund several projects, saying four of its six buildings are “at the end of their effective life.” The plan is to build a new Frenchtown Elementary School, renovate or rebuild Hanaford Elementary School, renovate East Greenwich High School, and renovate Meadowbrook Elementary School to create a new pre-K and kindergarten learning center.
Lincoln
Voters passed a $25 million bond that would be used to make upgrades at all four of the town’s elementary schools.
Separately, voters also approved $14 million to build a centralized rescue station.
Middletown
Voters approved $190 million to build a combination middle and high school, as well as make repairs and improvements to other schools in town.
North Kingstown
A $222 million bond was rejected by voters in North Kingstown. With the majority of the money, the town planned to consolidate Davisville and Wickford middle schools with the construction of a new facility. The remaining $55 million would have gone toward building a new public safety complex.
The so-called “mega bond” divided the town, drawing both strong support and opposition, with some residents criticizing the decision to combine the two proposals into a single vote.
North Smithfield
Voter’s rejected the town’s plan to borrow $18 million for a new or renovated police station.
Warren
The towns of Bristol and Warren will borrow up to $200 million so the district can replace Mt. Hope High School and renovate other school buildings. The measure passed with the support from a majority of voters between the two towns.
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