Latest news with #CommitteeonFinance
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Providence police academy slated to get underway in June
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Providence's 73rd police training academy is set to get underway, 'sometime in June,' according to Col. Oscar Perez. Perez told Providence City Council's Committee on Finance on Wednesday that the department received about 400 applications during its recruitment period last fall. He added that the department just completed background checks for 40 of the recruits being offered a spot on the academy. A portion of the academy was paid for in the current fiscal year, with the remaining balance of about $2.4 million owed in the next fiscal year, which begins on July 1. Last year, Mayor Brett Smiley increased the city's contribution to the schools by $3 million. In order to find extra money for the schools, Smiley agreed to cut vacant proposed positions and some raises, in addition to waiting to hold the police academy until at least May of this year to be able to delay some of those costs. Perez said the department had 445 full-time sworn officers at the end of last year, and are currently at 440. The chief said ideally, he'd like the department to be closer to 500 full-time sworn officers. Perez noted 20 of the 40 positions on the academy would be funded by a Community Oriented Policing (COPS) Hiring Program Grant from the US Department of Justice. The federal grant provides up to $125,000 per officer for a three-year period. RELATED: Providence Fire Department cuts millions in overtime costs, prepares to see highest staffing levels in years The police department's overall proposed budget increased by 6%, from $111.5 million to $118.7 million in fiscal year 2026. City councilors asked Perez why the department's budget for callback increased for the upcoming fiscal year and why overtime was projected to increase in fiscal year 2027. 'It's so many different factors,' Perez said. The chief said currently 129 officers are eligible to retire — an issue that became exacerbated from not holding any academies from 2010 to 2014. 'People are just aging out,' Perez added. Providence is anticipating generating about 10% more revenue, or about $1.3 million, from the city's police department, largely due to money from police red light cameras and school zone traffic cameras. The state-run Providence Public School District currently has a contract with BusPatrol, and previously launched a school bus safety program. All district buses are equipped with stop-arm enforcement cameras to detect vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses and share the evidence with law enforcement to review for potential violations. In Rhode Island, the penalty is $250 for a first-time offense and up to $500 for subsequent offenses, with no license points. Deputy Finance Director Krystle Lindberg explained that in March alone, the cameras generated about $183,000 in revenue, which she described as 'a significant pickup.' Committee members were surprised to learn the vendor receives 75% of the revenue generated from the violations, with the remaining 25% being split between the city and the state. The Smiley administration unveiled a slew of proposed fines and fees to reporters ahead of the mayor's budget proposal address earlier this month. In all, city officials estimated the proposed changes could bring in $1.9 million in additional revenue — both administrative and by ordinance — largely generated by the police department. On Thursday, the City Council will be presented several proposed ordinances that would increase fines and fees across the city. The Committee on Ordinances would vet the proposals and vote on them before getting approval from the full council. RELATED: Providence mayor seeks to raise fines for parking, pet violations, plus some license and permit fees The finance committee also heard from the city's telecommunications department on Thursday, whose proposed budget increased by nearly $700,000, or about 6%, for a total of about $11.8 million. Director David Radcliffe explained that the city defunded a telephone technician position and a customer service operator position in an effort to fund a radio repair technician role. Radcliffe also said the department is also working to fill a vacant control center operator position, and explained that when vacant, can generate overtime 'at a substantial rate.' He said there's a lot of turnover in the department, and that some people are 'just not cut out for it.' 'It's a very stressful position, a very taxing career,' Radcliffe said. 'You listen to people dying on the phone.' Residents will get their first opportunity to weigh in on Smiley's proposed budget next week. The first of two public hearings on the proposed budget is scheduled for May 6 at Providence City Hall at 5:30 p.m. RELATED: Providence taxpayers confront Mayor Smiley at State House tax levy hearing In advance of the public hearing, the city released a new online calculator on Tuesday so residents can estimate how much their tax bill would cost under the proposed new levy. The city noted that the estimator is intended for informational purposes only, and results that are generated are based on the information provided and may not reflect the actual tax liability. Smiley spokesperson Josh Estrella said the tax calculator was created to help residents gain more clarity and understand what their tax bills could look like if the proposed budget is approved. Alexandra Leslie (aleslie@ is a Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook. Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Zawya
10-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Payment of Shs13.8 trillion domestic arrears to take 12 years
A report of the Committee on Finance, Planning and Economic Development reveals that it will take government 12 years to clear domestic arrears of over Shs13.8 trillion. The report presented by the Committee's Deputy Chairperson, Hon. Moses Aleper cited the Auditor General who noted that domestic arrears had increased from Shs10.5 trillion in the 2022/2023 financial year. 'The committee observed that government has provided Shs1.1 trillion for domestic arrears for financial year 2025/2026,' Aleper said. 'Whereas this is an improvement from the previous year where only Shs200 billion was provided, even at this rate, it will take government over 12 years to clear all the domestic arrears if no new arrears are accumulated,' he added. The committee recommended that the Minister of Finance provides a comprehensive plan on how to clear domestic arrears in the medium and long term, stating that non-payment of the arrears cripples the private sector and undermines economic growth. Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa said that whereas there is an increment in funds allocated to clear domestic arrears, more still needs to be done. 'By the time small companies that supply at district level are paid, the money cannot even cover the interest accrued,' he said. Hon. Peter Okot (DP, Tochi County) faulted the Finance Ministry officials saying that they have failed to supervise accounting officers. 'Accounting officers were warned not to commit government where they do not have money. Does this mean that the Finance Ministry has failed in supervising the accounting officers?' he said. Tororo District Woman MP, Hon. Sarah Opendi said government needs to reduce the domestic arrears by 50 per cent warning that, failure to do so will lead to collapse of businesses. 'There must be a deliberate effort to remove wasteful expenditure to tackle the issue of domestic arrears. How are these companies going to employ Ugandans? People get into businesses to sustain themselves and their families and pay taxes,' Opendi said. Hon. Agnes Auma (Indep., Lira District) called on the Ministry of Finance to prioritise release of funds to government entities saying that this leads to accruing of domestic arrears. 'Domestic arrears are becoming a shame to the country and the leaders. These activities are budgeted for; where does the money go? We have to take this as a serious matter and we want the Minister of Finance to commit himself,' she said. The Minister of State for Finance (General Duties), Hon. Henry Musasizi said that the ministry has a plan to clear all verified domestic arrears in three years adding that the increment in allocation of funds to clear the arrears is a good sign. 'Domestic arrears under the former Uganda National Roads Authority have substantially been provided for; they now have about Shs2 trillion,' Musasizi said. He also said that the Shs13.8 trillion figure as reported by the Auditor General needs to be verified. 'Some people have Shs13 trillion, others have Shs10 trillion and there is also a Shs5.7 trillion somewhere. Depending on the audit report you are looking at, the figure keeps changing,' said Musasizi. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
BBC News
18-03-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Nigeria House of Representatives pass Tinubu tax reform bills
Di House of Representatives don pass di tax reform bills wey President Bola Tinubu send to di National Assembly for October 2024. Di bills wey di lawmakers pass on Tuesday na Nigeria Tax Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. Dem pass di bills afta dem read am for di third time at plenary, wey Speaker Abbas Tajudeen preside ova. Last week, di lower chamber bin approve ogbonge amendments to di proposed legislation afta a clause-by-clause consideration of di bills, as presented by the Chairman, Committee on Finance, James Abiodun Faleke. E dey expected say di Senate go also pass di bills, and di proposed tax reform bills go dey transmitted to President Tinubu to assent to am. We dey update dis tori.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Providence panel OKs Smiley proposal, but puts a limit on potential tax hike
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Providence finance officials painted a grim picture of the city's budget projections Thursday, as councilors advanced a measure that could force taxpayers to pay hundreds of dollars more per year. Krystle Lindberg, the city's deputy finance director and budget officer, explained how the city's finances were coming into focus in a meeting of the Providence City Council's Committee on Finance to examine a proposal to exceed the state-mandated tax cap of 4% annual increases. 'The 2026 budget will be tough, but 2027 will be even tougher,' Lindberg said. Providence is facing a budget gap primarily as a result of a $15 million settlement the city reached last fall with the R.I. Department of Education, which still controls the Providence Public School District. The city has already paid $4 million to the schools, but owes the remaining $11 million in the next fiscal year. The agreement also requires that school funding be increased in the city's annual budget in the years ahead. In 2026, Providence will earmark $147 million for schools, an $11.5 million increase over 2025. The following year's increase would be determined by the requirements of the Crowley Act, the state law on school takeovers, as long as the district remains under state control — a point of contention between the city and RIDE. 'This is a fixed cost that will reside in our budget in perpetuity,' Lindberg said. 'We are making a generational investment.' In addition to the money obligated through the schools settlement, the city has increases to other fixed costs, including an additional $4.7 million to pension payments, $3.7 million in contractual raises for city employees, and $1.9 million in increases to medical insurance. Mayor Brett Smiley began warning about potential tax hikes and budget cuts to offset the budget gap as early as last fall. 'That has to come from one of three places: either property taxes, other revenue, or cuts to city budgets,' Smiley told Target 12 last week. 'And in my plan that I'll introduce to the City Council when I introduce the budget at the beginning of April, we'll have a combination of all three of those things.' The current fiscal landscape brought Smiley to ask for support from the General Assembly to go over the state-mandated 4% annual cap on tax hikes. A hearing before the House Committee on Municipal Government and Housing scheduled for last week was postponed so the Smiley administration could first earn the support of councilors. Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan introduced an amended resolution Thursday night in support of the city exceeding the cap, but putting the maximum increase at 8%. 'We need to have this levy cap option,' Ryan said. 'It's another tool in our toolbox to help us achieve a balanced budget.' Last week, Council President Rachel Miller called for an upper limit on the overall levy increase, but also emphasized the importance of identifying 'alternative, sustainable, new, non-residential property tax revenue.' 'There's other items that we can be talking about in the next few weeks, [that] we should be talking about together with the General Assembly,' Miller said at Thursday's meeting. The city said for every 1% increase in the tax rate, that would mean the average homeowner's annual property tax bill would increase by $42. If the city's tax rate increased by 4%, for example, that would mean an average increase of $168 more per year. But if the city were to use a maximum increase of 8%, it would be an increase of $336. Several councilors in attendance argued the impact could be devastating for residents already struggling to make ends meet. Councilor Miguel Sanchez said even a $20 increase is 'extremely harsh,' and would be difficult for some city residents to manage. 'People are really worried,' Councilor Sue AnderBois said. 'People are hurt with the chaos at the federal level. People's budgets are even more strapped than they were before that.' Councilor John Goncalves, the senior deputy majority leader, asked if the city could assist residents who can't handle an extra burden. Chief Financial Officer Larry Mancini said 'every consideration' was in motion. 'I think it's vital that we really, really dig down on other revenue sources,' Finance Committee Chair Helen Anthony said on Thursday. 'This is going to be an impossible situation for a while.' Lindberg said the city is looking at 'every departmental cut' possible, in addition to examining all municipal fines and fees. But she warned some revenue sources may not be immediate. 'It may take a couple of years,' Lindberg said. Lindberg explained if the city does not get approval to go over the cap, there are several options on the table for cuts, like transitioning from weekly trash pickup to biweekly, or eliminating all community grants — a measure that would pose major problems for the city's libraries. RELATED: Providence libraries on the chopping block amid school funding fight Lindberg also said the city is considering a 10% reduction in city employees, eliminating youth summer jobs, reducing snowplowing operations and recreation programming, or even eliminating PVDFest. 'We are pursuing every single possibility,' Lindberg said. One thing the city cannot do, Lindberg said, is dip into its so-called rainy day fund. Finance leaders explained that use of the funds would mean the city would be in a deficit for the year. 'Using the Rainy Day Fund is almost like applying a one-time solution to a perpetual cost,' she said. 'Once that Rainy Day Fund is used, it's gone.' Councilor Shelley Peterson said with uncertainty about the city receiving additional federal funding, the city should also consider renegotiating existing voluntary payment agreements with nonprofit organizations — like hospitals and private colleges — that are exempt from paying property taxes. RELATED: Providence reaches first-ever proposed PILOT agreement with Lifespan 'I do believe that meds and eds should be contributing far more,' Peterson said. The five-member committee unanimously approved the amended resolution, which now heads to the full City Council for consideration. In a statement following Thursday night's decision, Smiley said his administration would continue to work alongside the council to find solutions. 'Tonight's action does not set the tax rates but rather gives us the ability to move forward in crafting a budget that weighs all the difficult choices ahead,' Smiley said. Alexandra Leslie (aleslie@ is a Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook. Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Slotkin, Peters introduce bill to ban mineral imports from Russia
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Democratic U.S. Senators from Michigan, Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters, joined Montana's Republican senators in introducing legislation that would ban the import of certain minerals from Russia until the nation ends hostilities with Ukraine. S.808, also known as the 'Stop Russian Market Manipulation Act,' was introduced Thursday, and would ban the import of the following minerals: Braggite Copper Nickel Palladium Platinum Rhodium Ruthenium Zinc The ban would last for a year after the president certifies to Congress that Russia has ended all hostilities against Ukraine, with a probationary period of three years. During this period, if Russia resumes hostilities against Ukraine, the ban would resume effect. S.808 also has language that forbids the President from waiving the prohibition. The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance on Thursday. You can read the full bill as it was introduced below. HLA25140Download Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
