Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza
The city of Providence was forced to delay the Homestead Certification program after criticism, sending out notices weeks late and having technology issues the most serious of which still has not been corrected.
For Providence homeowners, they are now up against the clock to affirm that they still live in their own homes. At stake for residents who fail to properly affirm their residency is a 40% increase in property taxes.
In an email to Council President Sabina Matos, Katharine Roberts of the Providence-based EF Bishop Group wrote, As you know, this process has been nothing short of horrific. In addition, there is not enough staff to assist people with questions. Besides the mailing being sent out weeks after it was dated, and many people not receiving the documents - since the online process requires the PID number which is not available on any tax bill, many people cannot access the online form.