Municipal Court Update

At a recent Council meeting, the Municipal Court Judge job posting was officially approved. Council also discussed the interview and selection process for this important role, and the posting has now been published.

The establishment of a Municipal Court was first approved by voters in 2022 and formally enacted by the Town Council in 2024. This new court will allow the Town of Richmond to enforce ordinances more effectively, efficiently, and cost-consciously.

Road Work & Infrastructure Update

Several of our local roads are scheduled for much-needed improvements. While the Council recognizes that many roads require repair, this is an important first step toward addressing future needs. This investment ensures safer, smoother roads for our community.

Before making decisions on which roads would be included in this round of funding, the Council requested a full road evaluation report from the DPW Director.

Roads Scheduled for Work:

• Wilbur Hill
• Small Pond Rd
• Deer Run Rd
• Old Mountain (Hillsdale End)
• Pine Hill Rd

Funding Breakdown:

• $551,519 from the Capital Budget
• $133,509.15 from the Rhode Restore Match

There may also be additional opportunities for future road funding. If current projects are completed under budget, or if other municipalities do not participate in Rhode Restore, remaining funds will be redistributed by the state.

We’ll continue to keep you updated as projects move forward. Thank you for your patience and support as we work to improve our town’s infrastructure!

Read Richmond’s Road Evaluation Report here.

Town Hall Updates: Better Service, Greater Accessibility

We also unanimously approved several changes to make Town Hall more efficient, accessible, and resident-friendly.

What’s Changing:

• Finance & Tax Services
  • The Tax Assessor’s Office will move to the first floor, next to the Tax Collector, to reduce confusion and improve service.
  • Finance staff will receive cross-training to minimize office closures and provide more consistent support to residents.
• Planning, Building & Zoning
  • Departments have been restructured to improve coordination while separating planning functions from building and zoning.
  • Josh Jordan has been appointed Director of Building & Zoning, with clerical staff continuing to support both areas.

Accessibility Improvements

The Council will seek bids for a new handicap-accessible main entrance. This allows the Town to explore costs and potential funding sources, including grants, without committing to construction at this stage.

These updates will streamline operations, improve accessibility for all residents, and make better use of staff resources—ensuring Town Hall continues to meet the community’s needs.

Settlement Agreement with The Preserve

The Town of Richmond has finalized a settlement agreement with The Preserve, resolving long-standing disputes over property assessments. This compromise avoids costly litigation and provides stability for both the town and the development moving forward.

Continuing the case in court could have cost taxpayers millions in potential back taxes, plus $50,000–$80,000 per year in legal fees. Instead, the agreement provides clarity and prevents future appeals for the next nine years.

Key Points of the Settlement:

• Transparency on Sales: The Preserve must disclose membership fees tied to property sales, with deductions capped at $500,000 to protect taxpayers.
• Fair Assessments:
  • Residential properties receive a 12% reduction.
  • Commercial properties receive a 10% reduction.
  • Tiny homes will be taxed only if the state deems them permanent housing; accessory structures receive a 12% reduction.

While the town will see an estimated annual revenue reduction of $120,000–$140,000, this agreement avoids far greater financial risks. It closes a difficult chapter, ensures fairness, and allows Richmond and The Preserve to move forward in partnership.