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SB 3320

AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF PAWTUCKET TO PROVIDE FOR THE PLANNING, EVALUATION, DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, EQUIPPING AND RECONSTRUCTION OF SANITARY SEWERS AND STORM SEWERS IN THE CITY AND AUTHORIZING THE FINANCING THEREOF, INCLUDING THE ISSUE OF NOT MORE THAN $4,000,000 BONDS AND NOTES THEREFOR, TO FUND THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FOR THE TWO FISCAL YEARS 2028 AND 2029

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Meghan Kallman

Pawtucket would be authorized to issue up to 4 million in bonds to fund sanitary and storm sewer upgrades and related costs, with repayment over up to 30 years (subject to voter ap

06/23/2026 Signed by Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 3320

Purpose of the bill

  • SB 3320 would authorize the City of Pawtucket to finance a capital improvement program focused on planning, evaluating, designing, constructing, equipping, and reconstructing sanitary sewers and storm sewers within the city.
  • The financing would be through the issuance of not more than $4,000,000 in bonds and notes, to fund the two fiscal years 2028 and 2029.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 1: Authorization to issue up to $4,000,000 in bonds or notes, in the city’s name, with flexibility for serial, term, or a combination of bond types. Repayment would occur in annual installments, with the first payment no later than three years after issue and the last no later than 30 years after issue.
  • Section 2: Details on bond terms and administration. Proceeds must be used for sewer-related projects and related costs (planning, evaluation, design, construction, equipping, reconstruction). Proceeds may also cover principal or interest on temporary notes, advances, issuance costs, and funding interest during construction.
  • Section 3: City council can issue anticipation notes (interim financing) in advance of bonds or anticipated state/federal aid, with limits tied to the bond authority and aid availability. Rules govern the term, renewal, refunding, and related investment management.
  • Section 4: Allows pre-authorization use of general city funds to cover project costs or interim financing, repayable from bond proceeds or eligible aid.
  • Section 5: Investment and handling of bond proceeds and funds, including permissible depository institutions and securities investments, with adherence to applicable laws and city investment policy.
  • Section 6: Application of interest, premiums, and investment earnings. Proceeds can cover project costs, debt service, city revenues, and related costs. Unspent proceeds remain governed by local charter provisions.
  • Section 7: Debt backing and annual appropriation requirements. Bonds/notes are a city obligation but treated separately from state debt rules for debt capacity. The city must annually appropriate funds to pay debt service falling due each year; if not, the levy may be increased via ad valorem taxation on all taxable property, without rate or amount limitations.
  • Section 8: Bond/note validity remains intact even if certain city officers have ceased to hold office.
  • Section 9: Potential to apply for and expend federal or state advances or grants, with federal law taking precedence in case of conflict. Repayment of advances may be treated as a project cost.
  • Section 10: Issuance authority is independent of seeking external approvals beyond what the act itself requires. Projects may involve land condemnation or property-related actions as needed, but bond validity does not depend on those actions.
  • Section 11: Authorized city officials may execute necessary documents and comply with federal securities and tax laws, including continuing disclosure as required by Rule 15c2-12.
  • Section 12: Unissued bond/note authority may be extinguished by city council resolution seven years after the act’s effective date.
  • Sections 13–14: Referendum requirement. The bill’s approval would be decided by Pawtucket voters at the next general election (or a designated special election). The form of the ballot question is specified, and the act’s provisions take effect in two phases: Sections 13–14 upon passage; the remainder upon voter approval.

Who or what would be affected

  • The City of Pawtucket would gain authority to issue up to $4 million in bonds/notes to fund sewer-related capital improvements (sanitary and storm sewers) and associated costs.
  • Project beneficiaries include residents and property owners in Pawtucket who rely on sewer infrastructure, as well as city finances and budgeting operations related to debt issuance, debt service, and capital planning.
  • Potential impact on property taxes: if annual debt service payments are not otherwise funded, the city may levy ad valorem taxes on all taxable property without rate or amount limits to cover debt service.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The act would require voter approval at a city election to become effective beyond Sections 13–14 (the referendum). If approved, the remainder would take effect.
  • Bond terms could extend up to 30 years, with first principal payments no later than three years after issuance.
  • The bill contemplates use in fiscal years 2028 and 2029 for the capital improvement program, with anticipation financing possible to bridge timing gaps.
  • The act allows extinguishing unused authority after seven years and provides for continuance of authority if debt management decisions are made.

Overall, the bill provides Pawtucket with a targeted financing mechanism to upgrade and expand sewer infrastructure, subject to voter approval and the city’s borrowing and fiscal management processes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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