Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins has issued an executive order to undertake a sweeping review of all tax exemptions offered to local taxpayers.

The mayor said he has formed “a working group that will be made up of representatives of various taxpayer constituencies to make recommendations to him and the City Council.” In making the announcement, Hopkins stated that “it has been about twenty years since a thorough review of tax exemptions has been made in Cranston. I felt this was an appropriate time as we are just completing the state mandated property revaluation.”  

Mayor Hopkins explained that taxpayers will continue to be given the present level of exemptions they received in 2023 on their 2024 tax bills. 

“As we looked at all our tax exemption programs that we offer to seniors, veterans and the disabled community, I felt a top to bottom review was in order,” he said.

In his executive order, Hopkins designated a membership of seven individuals from various taxpayer groups to work with his administration. The order appoints the following individuals to the study committee:

1. Finance Director (who will serve as chairperson)
2. Tax Assessor
3. Resident designated by the Majority Leader of the City Council
4. Resident designated by the Minori ty Leader of the City Council
5. Resident over the age of 65 appointed by the Mayor
6. Resident who shall be a veteran appointed by the Mayor
7. Resident representing the disabled community appointed by the Mayor

Hopkins said that his executive order calls for the group to meet at least twice a month beginning June 1, 2024, with a completion date of December 31, 2024. 

“I expect that the committee will meet earnestly to first review existing exemptions, hold at least one public hearing to receive residents’ comments and to compile their findings and recommendations by year end,” the mayor said. “I have asked my finance officials to use resources like the Rhode Island Division of Municipal Finance and the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns for policy data and information that may benefit the committee’s work.”

“Once their work is complete, I will work with the City Council to amend our local ordinances and our general assembly delegation to codify any changes needed in state law,” Hopkins concluded.