Mayor Diossa delays Tax Payments for Central Falls Residents and Businesses and takes additional Emergency Measures
CENTRAL FALLS– On Friday, March 20th the City of Central Falls continues to take the necessary precautions in the wake of COVID-19. Mayor James A. Diossa, following the guidance and lead of Governor Gina M. Raimondo and the RI Department of Health, has signed an Executive Order Supplemental Emergency Declaration, Governmental Health and Safety Measures and Further Covid-19 Preparation and Prevention Measures 2020-0003. The Executive Orders are accessible here.
This Executive Order outlines the measures the City will be taking regarding tax collecting for the quarterly payments. The Executive Order states, “For the quarterly tax payment that is due on April 15, 2020, the City of Central Falls will waive all penalties and interest on this payment until June 1, 2020. Therefore, taxpayers have until June 1, 2020 to pay the fourth quarter tax bill without additional charges.”
The City of Central Falls will still be able to collect taxes online. “Starting Monday, March 23, 2020, for the quarterly tax payment that is due on April 15, 2020, the City will be waiving the 3% fee that is charged for making tax payments online. Taxpayers are encouraged to make online payments via www.RIEGOV.com with their account number and their PIN number which is printed on their tax bill (or they can receive the PIN number by calling the Mayor’s Office at 401-727-7474).”
The Executive Order also outlines limitations on the number of people at gatherings per the recommendations of President Trump. “Gatherings of 10 people or more are prohibited in Central Falls, with the exception of essential or emergency personnel in government or health care. Gatherings subject to this Order include, but are not limited to, community, civic, public, leisure, or faith-based events, sporting events with spectators, concerts, conventions, fundraisers, parades, fairs, festivals, and any other similar activity that brings together 10 or more people at the same time. The Central Falls Police Department will be enforcing this Order.”
Due to the limitations on gatherings, the City of Central Falls has announced, “The following city parks and recreation areas are closed to the public until further notice: Francis Corrigan Basketball Court, Sacred Heart Basketball Court and Cowden St. Court. The remaining city parks and recreation spaces remain open to the public; however, residents are reminded that gatherings of 10 or more people are prohibited and social distancing of six (6) feet or more is encouraged. Residents are urged to stay off playground equipment, as their cleanliness cannot be guaranteed. The Central Falls Police Department will be enforcing this Order.” The City is still permitting the use of most parks in order to encourage physical activity but asks that residents refrain from groups larger than 10 people.
This Executive Order establishes a “Central Falls Hotline” that will be staffed seven days a week from 7am to 9pm for all non-medical questions or requests for service. “Residents are encouraged to call 401-727-7474.” This line will serve as a way for residents to ask city related questions on services and/or general questions, or request meal services. From there they will be connected to one of the following partners: Central Falls School District, Central Falls Housing Authority, Progreso Latino, or the Elisha Project. The Hotline can also be used for questions regarding taxes and access to resident’s account number and their PIN number.