Providence Budget Could be Off Tens of Millions

Monday, May 05, 2014

 

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Millions of dollars in tax rebates for contested property reevaluation values could have a major impact on the $678 million fiscal year 2015 budget introduced last week introduced by Providence Mayor Angel Taveras.

"The level of requests for abatements from the most recent city [real estate] reevaluation -- we're hearing that's around $30 million from the tax assessor's offices," said Providence City Councilman Luis Aponte. "The applications are pending, but the city should have put into their budget the anticipation that they'll need to make reimbursements, and they're not reflected."

The Providence 2014-2015 budget as proposed by Mayor Taveras would see a spending increase of roughly 2.4 percent, with the city government's budget going up $8.6 million, and school spending increasing by $7.8 million -- and no increases in commercial or residential taxes.

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As for a potential fallout from the pending rebates, City Internal Auditor Mathew Clarkin said it could have an impact on the budget -- "it all depends".

Budget Process Underway

"I requested a week and a half ago a report regarding the status of the appeals of assessments," said Clarkin. "I don't know the number for certain, but should within the next week or so. Right now, I don't know anything. I've asked what's happened with the appeals so far. So it's a little premature, they're trying to get all the information."

Clarkin noted he was also seeking input on "tangible increases."

"I talked with the assistant assessor, and they said they've found additional values,. That, too, might be premature," said Clarkin. "The administration is coming in Monday night for Ways and Means."

Aponte spoke to the reevaluation process, which had been once every ten years before the General Assembly required municipalities to do so every 3 years in 2003.

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"It's been a strange 3 reevaluations, since the last ones were in the housing crisis, and the data was fluid because properties could sell for far below their value," said Aponte, noting the city now had a new firm. "The process allows for appeals. You can go to the vendor, and if they deny you, you can go to the tax assessor. If that's denied, there's the board of tax assessment review."

Aponte said that there was also the chance that the appeals might not be addressed during this administration. "There's the possibility that they could just run the clock on these, and let them be dealt with later," said Aponte.

Sasse on City Finances

Former Rhode Island Director of Administration Gary Sasse thought that in light of the current variables, the budget -- and process -- were in sound shape.

'There has been a significant improvement in the City's budget practices since the Corrective Action Plan to Restore Financial Management was submitted to the City Council and Mayor," said Sasse. "Budgets are being built on more realistic assumptions, there is a meaningful five year financial forecast, monthly budget and cash reports are timely and accurate, a rainy fund exists and reserve accounts are transparent. This was made possible more effective monitoring and financial oversight by the City's leadership. Our recommendations have generally been addressed. In my opinion the City's budget practices are sound."

 

Related Slideshow: Current Tax Stabilization Agreements in Providence

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130 Westminster St.

The Arcade - 103 Westminster St. Associates, LLC

Approval Date: 12/31/2012

Assessed Valuation: $1,826,200

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $44,137

2013 True Tax: $67,113

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $16,742

Tax Status: Current

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2022

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122 Fountain St.

Sportsman Inn - HM Ventures, LLC

Approval Date: 4/20/2012

Assessed Valuation: $1,607,800

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $77,010

2013 True Tax: $59,087

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $9,601

Tax Status: Past Due

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2022

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244 Oak St. + 33 Magnolia St.

Roger Williams Brewery, LLC

Approval Date: 1/1/2012

Assessed Valuation: $496,800

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: N/A

2013 True Tax: $18,257

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $18,140

Tax Status: Past Due

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2024

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1 AT&T Plaza

Hasbro - Empire LaSalle, LLC

Approval Date: 7/1/2012

Assessed Valuation: $25,092,400

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $547,553

2013 True Tax: $922,146

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $47,568

Tax Status: Current

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2024

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100 Weybosset St.

Providence G Building - Providence Capital, LLC

Approval Date: 3/20/2012

Assessed Valuation: $2,575,400

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $129,610

2013 True Tax: $94,609

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $32,557

Tax Status: Current

End Date of Agreement: 7/1/2025

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11 Dorrance St.

The Biltmore

Approval Date: 3/15/2012

Assessed Valuation: $20,162,400

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $694,575

2013 True Tax: $740,698

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $124,506

Tax Status: Past Due

End Date of Agreement: 12 Years from Commencement

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1 Park Row West

Johnston & Wales University Dorms - Capitol Cove, LLC

Approval Date: 3/11/2005

Amendment Date: 3/8/2010

Assessed Valuation: $2,252,500

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $518,247

2013 True Tax: $82,779

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $968,606

Tax Status: Current

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2023

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125 Washington St.

Mercantile Block Assoc., LLC

Approval Date: 11/16/2009

Assessed Valuation: $1,758,000

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $59,851

2013 True Tax: $64,607

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $34,248

Tax Status: Current

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2020

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1 Sims Ave.

Milhaus LLC - The Steel Yard

Approval Date: 1/8/2007

Assessed Valuation: $323,400

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: N/A

2013 True Tax: $11,885

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $19,641

Tax Status: Current

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2016

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60 Valley St.

60 Valley St. LLC (c/o Armory Revival)

Approval Date: 9/26/2006

Assessed Valuation: $2,797,000

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $14,333

2013 True Tax: $102,790

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $11,730

Tax Status: Current

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2016

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160 Niantic Ave.

160 Niantic Ave. Morvco Realty LLC

Approval Date: 5/27/2004

Assessed Valuation: $1,305,300

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $50,612

2013 True Tax: $47,970

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $38,550

Tax Status: Current

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2015

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50 Holden St.

Promenade Building Assoc. - The Foundry

Approval Date: 5/17/2004

Assessed Valuation: $4,238,200

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $42,802

2013 True Tax: $155,754

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $104,814

Tax Status: Current

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2015

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21 Gordon Ave.

South Providence Development Corp. (Keith Fernandez)

Approval Date: 1/16/2004

Assessed Valuation: $1,042,600

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $5,708

2013 True Tax: $38,316

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $10,984

Tax Status: Past Due

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2016

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10 Memorial Blvd.

GTECH Corp. Headquarters

Approval Date: 7/15/2003

Assessed Valuation: $54,767,800

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $236,619

2013 True Tax: $2,012,717

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $1,100,000

Tax Status: Current

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2026

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65 Eddy St.

Peerless Lofts

Approval Date: 11/22/2002

Assessed Valuation: $12,843,700

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $80,100

2013 True Tax: $472,006

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $33,407

Tax Status: Current

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2016

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235 Promenade St.

Promenade Building Assoc. - The Foundry

Approval Date: 11/22/2002

Assessed Valuation: $15,810,300

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $58,201

2013 True Tax: $581,029

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $30,345

Tax Status: Current

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2015

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236 Westminster St.

Alice Building LLC c/o Cornish Associates

Approval Date: 12/28/2001

Assessed Valuation: $3,680,500

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $25,531

2013 True Tax: $135,258

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $13,439

Tax Status: Current

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2014

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100 Providence Place

The 903

Approval Date: 12/21/2001

Assessed Valuation: $68,573,700

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $200,000

2013 True Tax: $2,520,083

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $620,474

Tax Status: Current

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2015

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95 Chestnut St.

Hacht Development, LLC

Approval Date: 4/15/2012

Assessed Valuation: $3,091,300

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $110,665

2013 True Tax: $113,605

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $20,453

Tax Status: Past Due

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2022

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265 Oxford St.

Institute for Non-Violence

Approval Date: 1/1/2012

Assessed Valuation: $1,393,700

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $32,928

2013 True Tax: $51,218

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $1,000

Tax Status: Current

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2021

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145 Globe St.

Victory Square - JAG Investment Realty, LLC

Approval Date: 7/18/2011

Assessed Valuation: $7,234,800

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $294,485

2013 True Tax: $265,879

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $252,750

Tax Status: Current

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2013

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25 Eagle St.

Butcher Block Mill, LLC

Approval Date: 1/1/2011

Assessed Valuation: $590,500

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $23,469

2013 True Tax: $21,701

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $11,431

Tax Status: Current

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2023

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50 Agnes St.

50 Agnes, LLC

Approval Date: 1/1/2012

Assessed Valuation: $521,800

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $21,422

2013 True Tax: $19,176

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $16,807

Tax Status: Current

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2024

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103 Dike St.

Music House, LLC - Fete

Approval Date: 1/1/2012

Assessed Valuation: $589,700

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $17,555

2013 True Tax: $21,671

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $5,417

Tax Status: Current

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2024

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41 Central St.

Yet Another LLC - Art Recreation Center

Approval Date: 4/16/2007

Assessed Valuation: $287,100

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $12,879

2013 True Tax: $10,551

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $5,862

Tax Status: Past Due

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2024

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200 Allens Ave.

200 Allens Ave. LLC (Capstone Properties)

Approval Date: 1/8/2007

Assessed Valuation: $1,834,300

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $74,754

2013 True Tax: $67,411

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $23,537

Tax Status: Past Due

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2016

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35 Hylestead St.

65 Pavillion LLC

Approval Date: 8/1/2005

Assessed Valuation: $675,500

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $13,345

2013 True Tax: $24,825

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $9,752

Tax Status: Current

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2016

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203 Weybosset St.

Zampalis Realty (Zampalis Realty LLC)

Approval Date: 8/1/2005

Assessed Valuation: $547,900

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $12,565

2013 True Tax: $20,135

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $31,300

Tax Status: Current

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2024

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166 Valley St.

Rising Mills Project (166 Valley St. LLC, Struever Bros)

Approval Date: 12/1/2003

Assessed Valuation: $16,749,900

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $91,763

2013 True Tax: $615,559

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $80,535

Tax Status: Current

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2011

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100 Exchange St.

Intercontinental Fund IV F/K/A Cap Hill Prop

Approval Date: 1/16/2004

Assessed Valuation: $107,237,400

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $1,888,763

2013 True Tax: $2,910,464

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $1,086,829

Tax Status: Current

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2023

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5 Avenue of the Arts

Masonic Temple - RP Providence Owner LLC

Approval Date: 7/15/2003

Assessed Valuation: $45,974,100

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $79,072

2013 True Tax: $1,689,548

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $215,843

Tax Status: Current

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2025

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532 Kinsley Ave.

Monahasset Mills LLC

Approval Date: 11/22/2002

Assessed Valuation: $10,857,600

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: N/A

2013 True Tax: N/A

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $12,836

Tax Status: Credit

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2017

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210 Westminster St.

Harrisburg Assoc. LLC and Lerner Assoc. LLC

Approval Date: 11/8/2002

Assessed Valuation: $1,188,300

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $19,404

2013 True Tax: $43,670

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $6,349

Tax Status: Current

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2016

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220 Westminster St.

Harrisburg Assoc. LLC and Lerner Assoc. LLC

Approval Date: 11/8/2002

Assessed Valuation: $2,004,800

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $10,302

2013 True Tax: $73,676

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $10,302

Tax Status: Current

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2016

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100 Fountain St.

Steelwood (Palmer Building) (LAF Realty LLC Inc.)

Approval Date: 4/25/2002

Assessed Valuation: $503,300

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $48,935

2013 True Tax: $18,496

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $22,970

Tax Status: Past Due

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2016

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77 Reservoir Ave.

Mashpaug Associates LLC

Approval Date: 11/9/2001

Assessed Valuation: $6,953,300

Actual Tax Prior to TSA: $113,538

2013 True Tax: $255,534

2013 Stabilized Tax Payment: $108,829

Tax Status: Current

End Date of Agreement: 12/31/2015

 
 

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