No Slashes to Services in Preliminary Town Budget

North Kingstown’s property taxes will be on the rise again if the town manager’s proposed budget is passed this upcoming spring. Town Manager Michael Embury submitted a preliminary budget for next year that would raise property taxes by 3.5 percent – increasing the town’s overall budget by $2.4 million.

The 2013 budget would hike property taxes from $17.26 per thousand to $17.81. With the average price of a home in North Kingstown estimated at $333,822, the tax bill would be $5,942 – according to Embury.

Though taxes look to be on the rise again, Embury told members of the North Kingstown Town Council that his proposed budget does not suggest taxing to the maximum amount allowed by state law. According to Embury, North Kingstown’s tax base saw minor growth this past year – including more funds from the

“It’s an encouraging starting point for us,” said Embury.

The 3.5 percent increase would preserve town services and provide the school district with the

The council looks to adopt the preliminary budget at its March 19 meeting. On April 9, the council will have a joint budget public hearing with the North Kingstown School Committee.