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SB 3333

AN ACT RELATING TO THE NORTH TIVERTON FIRE DISTRICT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Walter Felag

Reduce the administrative board tax assessors from six to four (after 2026, via voluntary resignations) to streamline governance of the North Tiverton Fire District.

06/26/2026 Effective without Governor's signature
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 3333

Summary of SB 3333 (Rhode Island, 2026) – North Tiverton Fire District

Main purpose and intent

  • Amend and streamline the charter of the North Tiverton Fire District (NTFD) by modifying its structure and governance, particularly regarding the number of tax assessors on the district’s administrative board.
  • The amendment is targeted at reducing the number of tax assessors from six to four, effective after the annual meeting in 2026, with the change contingent on voluntary resignations and subsequent term adjustments.
  • The measure would take effect only if approved by the electors of the North Tiverton Fire District.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 1 (General amendment to the act governing the NTFD)

    • The act that incorporated and governs the North Tiverton Fire District is amended to formalize and update the district’s governance and boundaries.
    • The section includes a detailed description of the Stone Bridge Fire District boundary, ultimately defining the perimeter of the NTFD as approximately 1,200 acres. (Note: This boundary language appears to specify the geographic reach of the district.)

  • Section 2 (Water rates and lien rights)

    • Establishes that district water charges are liens on real estate, enforced similarly to real estate taxes.
    • Allows the district to enter properties and shut off water for nonpayment after due notice.
    • Requires payments to first address any tax arrearage.

  • Section 3 (Elector definition)

    • Defines who qualifies as an elector within the district for voting purposes.

  • Section 4 (Annual and special meetings)

    • Prescribes timing and notice requirements for annual meetings (first Tuesday in June) and special meetings.
    • Ensures public posting and newspaper notice, with requirements for canvassing the voting list.

  • Section 5 (Administrative board composition and bylaws)

    • Establishes the initial officers elected at the 1948 meeting (moderator, district clerk, treasurer, tax collectors/assessors with specified terms).
    • Introduces a key change: effective following the annual meeting of 2026, the number of tax assessors on the administrative board is reduced from six to four.
    • Specifies that vacancies between annual meetings are filled by the remaining board members.
    • Allows electors to adopt, amend, or rescind bylaws and to appoint committees, including setting compensation.
    • Clarifies resignation dynamics: the reduction to four assessors takes effect only through the voluntary resignation of a tax assessor during their term; if a resigning assessor leaves, the next annual meeting will be slated to reduce the number further until only four remain.

  • Section 6 (Water supply authority and eminent domain-like powers)

    • Authorizes the district to obtain and manage a water supply for firefighting, domestic use, and other purposes.
    • Grants powers to construct or contract for water works, regulate distribution, set prices, and establish hydrants.
    • Provides authority to take private property for water projects with court-ordered compensation and guardians ad litem if needed.

  • Section 7 (Construction and maintenance rights)

    • Permits district to install and maintain pipes, conduits, and related works inside or outside the district, including crossing highways and roads.
    • Requires reimbursement to property owners for damage or relocation due to district work.
    • Exempts district property and infrastructure from state, town, or district taxes.

  • Section 8 (Taxing authority and election of taxes)

    • Empowers electors to levy taxes for water supply, fire protection, hydrants, and related district purposes.
    • Establishes tax collection procedures and penalties (up to 12% per year for late payment).
    • Requires majority voter approval for tax propositions.

  • Section 9 (Bonding and borrowing authority)

    • Authorizes the district to issue bonds, notes, and other indebtedness, with standard Rhode Island debt-issuance provisions (serial or term bonds; amortization guidance).
    • Outlines use of bond proceeds for acquiring land, water supply infrastructure, fire apparatus, and related needs.
    • Provides for anticipation notes, investment of proceeds, and handling of interest, premiums, and selling terms.
    • Ensures tax-exemption status for bonds/notes and sets procedures for annual debt service funding.
    • Allows borrowing in anticipation of tax proceeds (up to 80% of current or preceding year’s levy) to cover current liabilities and expenses.
    • Specifies that bonds/notes and their income remain exempt from state taxation (except estate/succession taxes).

Who would be affected

  • Property owners within the North Tiverton Fire District
    • Subject to water charges, liens, and potential water shut-offs for nonpayment.
    • Quoted tax authority provisions mean they could face district taxes assessed by the NTFD for water and fire services.
  • District electors and residents
    • Eligible to vote on district matters, including annual and special meetings, bylaws, and bond issues.
  • NTFD administrative board and staff
    • Governance structure would shift from six to four tax assessors on the board, affecting decision-making and oversight after 2026.
  • Private property owners along districts’ water projects
    • Potential property acquisitions or rights-of-way for water infrastructure, with compensation handled by the superior court process.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date
    • The amendment takes effect only upon approval by the North Tiverton Fire District electors.
  • Transition timing
    • The reduction of tax assessors from six to four would occur after the annual meeting in 2026, contingent on voluntary resignations.
    • If a resigning assessor does not occur, the reduction would be phased according to the act’s terms, ultimately resulting in four assessors.
  • Governance and bylaws
    • District electors may adopt and modify bylaws as needed to implement the governance changes.

Note: The measure is introduced by Senator Walter S. Felag and referred to the Senate Housing & Municipal Government committee.

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

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