Bryant Unviersity. Wikimedia Commons photo.
WPRO Newsroom and the Associated Press
SMITHFIELD, R.I. (AP) – Bryant University says a bill passed by the General Assembly allowing the town of Smithfield to charge it for public safety services is "heavy-handed" and that it's considering legal options.
Sen. Stephen Archambault (AHR'-sham-bo) says he sponsored the bill after failed attempts by the town to reach agreement with the non-profit school about paying a "fair amount" in lieu of taxes.
The bill allows Smithfield to charge Bryant for police, fire and rescue services.
Bryant says it contributes over $800,000 annually in direct and in-kind support to Smithfield, including over $300,000 voluntarily. It says Smithfield already gets state money to compensate for Bryant's use of public safety services.
It says it has been negotiating additional support in good faith.
It wasn't immediately clear whether Gov. Lincoln Chafee would sign it.
