PROVIDENCE – The co-chairs of the Joint Municipal Shared Services Study Commission this month announced legislation that takes another step toward facilitating shared services among Rhode Island’s municipalities.
While there are existing statutes that allow cities and towns to share resources, the bill clarifies that cities, towns, fire districts, school districts and other taxing authorities are permitted to enter agreements to provide shared services, activities and facilities which any governmental unit is authorized to perform. The legislation would also provide a governance model to facilitate such agreements, according to a statement.
Many of the recommendations the commission heard came from existing models, such as the cooperative IT arrangements between North Kingstown and Exeter, or the consolidating of tax collection and assessment functions within certain cities and towns.
