When cities and towns raise taxes, they usually defend the increase by pointing out that it is being done in order to preserve services for its citizens.  Well, how about a town that is planning on raising property taxes, and attempted to levy an additional property tax on its citizens, yet is attempting to reduce basic services.  Does that sound bad?  Welcome to North Providence!

     Mayor Charles Lombardi's latest stroke of genius involves charging citizens for trash collection.  You might be paying thousands of dollars for property taxes, but evidently, it isn't enough to cover trash pick-up.  Under the mayor's plan, the town would sell special garbage bags that residents would need to use in order to have their trash removed.  The bags could end up costing between $1.25 and $2.50 each.  I hope you don't have a big family, since this expense could quickly add up.

     I can understand the town's desire to maximize revenue, but there are better ways.  Here's an idea: Require residents to have recycle bins out in order to have their trash picked up.  It will increase recycling and simultaneously reduce tipping fees at the land fill.  This plan wouldn't completely cover the cost of trash removal, but isn't that what your property taxes are for?