SMITHFIELD, R.I. -- Bryant University is calling on Governor Chafee to veto legislation that would require the school to reimburse the town for the actual costs of police, fire and rescue services that it uses each year, saying that the school has already had several months of good-faith negotiations with the town on that issue.
The legislation, which passed the Senate on Tuesday and the House last Friday, would require the school to begin making payments to the town for the public safety services starting March 2014 -- unless a separate agreement is worked out before then.
Rep. Gregory Costantino, D-Lincoln, one of the chief sponsors, says officials in the town have been trying to hammer out an agreement with the school for the last 15 years.