Homeowners in Little Compton will paying “slightly more” in taxes next year if the town's current budget plan stands as is. The current tax rate of $4.90 per $1,000 of assessed property value, is proposed to jump to $4.95. For the owner of a $655,000 home — the average home price in town — that equals a tax increase of $32.75.

Little Compton often has the lowest property tax rate in the state, typically closely followed or marginally beaten by New Shoreham or Jamestown.

“I believe that we will stick to those numbers,” Little Compton Town Administrator Tony Teixeira said. He added that Little Compton can also expect a tax of $9.90 per $1,000 of assessed tangible personal property next year, 10 cents more than the current rate.

According to Teixeira, the main budget increases this year will likely go to the town’s police and fire department, which are set to receive about $1.45 million and $1.07 million, respectively. If approved, the increase would allow for the addition of a 12th recruit for both forces, a choice that “will put them in a good position,” according to police chief Scott Raynes. 

“It’s much-needed,” Teixeira said, echoing the chief’s sentiment. “It is not just because we think it’s a good idea. It is a necessary change.” 

The budget continues to be discussed at length by the budget committee. Other additions include the upcoming solar energy project, which is currently proposed to cost around $500,000, and the interest payments for the renovation of Wilbur McMahon and ongoing overhaul of Town Hall.

At a recent Little Compton Town Council meeting, councilor Patrick McHugh had suggestions for the town’s additional use of the American Rescue Plan Act funds, which were received by the town as a federal stimulus to aid public health and economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. The town council proposed to use the remaining funds to “accelerate the town’s capital project plans," including off street parking near the basketball courts and a public building at the transfer station.

McHugh amended the proposal, stating that funding should focus on education “in the spirit of what this money should be used for.” At his suggestion, $20,000 of the ARPA fund was delegated to the Community Center’s child care programs. Also from ARPA funds, the Housing Trust is proposed to receive a previously-requested sum of $50,000 for their purchase of a vacant home at 184 Colebrook Road.

The budget will continue to be discussed over the next month, and the town’s annual Financial Town Meeting (FTM) will be held Wednesday, May 24 at 7 p.m.