Smithfield Could Bill Bryant Under Senate Plan

Saying "it is just not equitable" for Bryant University to get both a tax exemption and town services funded by other taxpayers, state Sen. Stephen R. Archambault [D-Dist. 22] recently proposed a bill to let the town charge Bryant for public safety services.
Particularly now that “every other higher education institution in this state has crafted a payment agreement with its home community,” Archambault explained in a statement, it's time for Bryant to pay something toward the costs of police, fire, and rescue services provided by the town.
“It is just not equitable that a property owner exempt from paying what would be about $2 million yearly in taxes should at the same time receive services that are paid for by all the other residents of the town, both homeowners and businesses,” Archambault said.
The charges would begin on Jan. 1, 2014, unless the University reaches what Archambault called "a memorandum of agreement with the town.”
Rep. Thomas Winfield [D-Dist. 53] submitted the House version of the bill, scheduled to go before the House Finance Committee on Friday.