R.I. officials want private colleges to pay up

SMITHFIELD, R.I. - Smithfield officials say it’s about time private colleges in town start paying their share of taxes.

Smithfield is the only Rhode Island community that hosts a private college and does not receive money or taxes from that institution. Three other municipalities have worked out agreements
with colleges.

Democratic state Sen. John Tassoni Jr. of Smithfield introduced legislation that would allow towns to tax 20 percent of the assessed value of private college property, unless an agreement
between the university and the town is negotiated. The bill will be heard within two weeks.

Smithfield is home to Bryant University and Mater Ecclesiae College.

Tassoni tells The Providence Journal it’s only fair that schools pay for town services they use.