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1. Why a voter referendum?

The Town cannot borrow more than a certain dollar amount in any year without voter approval. Therefore, a voter referendum is needed to accomplish certain projects.

2. Will the Town borrow the full $17,000,000 immediately?

Absolutely not. There are several things to consider when determining how much and when to borrow. These include the Bond Rating (this sets the rate of interest the town will pay on the bonds) and the timing of the completion of each project - which are usually accomplished over the course of several years. The Town will also be able to use these funds to leverage State and Federal Grants which will allow the funding to go further.

3. What is the effect upon the Tax rate?

Each $1,000,000 of borrowing requires about $70,000 per year in repayment or 3 cents on the tax rate.

4. Some of the project categories are rather vague. Will the Public have a say in which projects are funded?

Yes, projects will be first discussed at public meetings. The Capital Project Commission may also be called upon to manage certain capital improvement projects.

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1. What are the hours of inspections?

Building Official 12 - 3 (Monday thru Friday)
Electrical Official Tue, Wed. & Thurs 4 - 6
Mechanical & Plumbing Official 9 am to 11 am (Monday thru Friday)

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1. Does the Bristol Fire Department charge ambulance transport fees?

Yes. A patient's insurance company is billed for the ambulance transport. Town residents may receive a statement of benefits, but do not need to pay any additional fees.

2. How does ambulance transport billing work?

The Bristol Fire Department has contracted with a company to handle ambulance transport billing fee billing. After patient services are provided, insurance information will be obtained routinely, most often at the hospital. Residents may receive an initial statement or a request for verification of insurance information from the billing company. The current contracted billing vendor is The Dawson Group, and they can be contacted at 401-572-3120 for any billing related questions.

3. If I don’t have health insurance and cannot pay, what options do I have?

Patients transported that do not have health insurance will have the option of payment at a reduced rate or no payment based on lack of ability to pay the bill.

4. What if my insurance company will not cover the transport fee?

The billing company will attempt to obtain information to show the medical necessity of your medical care. However, if the claim is ultimately rejected, the billing company will offer alternative payment options.

5. Will Medicare pay for transport fees?

Medicare and Medicaid have established procedures regarding payment of ambulance transport fees.

6. If there is an ambulance call to a school, business, or workplace what procedures will be followed?

Procedures and policies are the same regardless of the location of the emergency. Town EMS personnel's' responsibility is to take care of the patient. Billing for transport services will be handled routinely after the patient’s needs are addressed.

7. How will my privacy be protected?

All department members have been trained on patient privacy and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). These requirements will be strictly enforced and adhered to.

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1. When are my taxes due?

Taxes are due quarterly, on the following dates:
August 15, November 15, February 15, and May 15.

2. Where would I find a schedule of fees for the Town?

All fees can be found in our Town Ordinance. Bristol Code of Ordinances

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1. Is the Bristol Fire Department a paid fire department?

The department is considered a combination department. There are 4 full time career positions. The remaining personnel are all volunteers.

2. How often should home smoke alarms be changed?

Smoke alarms have a life expectancy of 10 years and should be replaced at that time. Batteries, however, should be changed every year.

3. When should home carbon monoxide alarms be replaced?

Carbon monoxide alarms should be replaced if they are 7 years old or older.

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1. Do all changes require review?

No. Some work such as painting is not reviewed. The Commission only reviews work which affects the exterior appearance of a designated property or its setting. Many minor projects can be approved by Historic District Commission staff through an Administrative Review. Review Process Page

2. Does the Historic District Commission review interior alterations?

The Historic District Commission reviews only the interior renovations and repairs that change the exterior of the building. For example, the relocation of exterior doors and windows.

3. Does the Historic District Commission review paint color?

No. Paint color reflects personal taste and does not change the integrity of a structure. The Historic District Commission reviews color only when it is integral to specific building materials (like roof shingles). The Commission can provide advice on period paint colors upon request.

4. Can I sandblast my building?

No. Sandblasting is extremely damaging to wood and brick surfaces and will not be approved. The Historic District Commission can advise about gentler cleaning methods.

5. Can I replace the windows?

Generally, original window sashes can be repaired and retained. If the sash must be replaced, the replacement should match the historic sash in size, operation, materials, configuration, number of lights, and detail. Window manufacturers offer a wide variety of factory-made windows appropriate for historic buildings.

6. Can I make changes to exterior siding?

The exterior siding must conform with the structure’s historic materials, textures, and appearance. Vinyl, aluminum, or other modern composition sidings are not appropriate for historic buildings. These artificial sidings can substantially alter the appearance of a building and can obliterate or hide details such as window and door surrounds, brackets, moldings, and other elements.

7. Can I save money when fixing up my building?

Yes! The Rhode Island Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission offers several programs to help you preserve your historic building. Contact the Commission by phone at 401-222-2678, or access their website.

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1. VIN Check Info

If the vehicle is registered or titled in another state, and the model of the vehicle is a 2001 or newer, a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check is required prior to registering the vehicle in Rhode Island. VIN checks are provided to Bristol residents only. 

The fee is $15.00 per vehicle inspected; payable in the form of cash, check or money order. 

Please make checks payable to "Town of Bristol". We do not accept Credit/Debit cards. 

VIN checks are conducted on: 

• Tuesday, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and
• Thursday, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

You will need to bring the vehicle to the police station, along with the title or a copy of the title for the vehicle (unless it is held by a bank or finance company). If the vehicle title is held by a financial institution, a copy of the title can be sent via FAX to the Bristol Police Department at 401-253-1540. 

The State of Rhode Island requires a title, or a copy thereof to be presented at the time of the VIN inspection.

2. Fingerprints Information

Fingerprinting is conducted on Thursdays between the hours of 10:00 AM to Noon and 1:00 to 2:30 PM in 20 minute intervals. Please call the department at (401) 253-6900 to schedule an appointment.

Cost: $10.00 for a local check, $40.00 for a national check. Checks can be made payable to "Town of Bristol" .

3. Child Safety Seat Checks

The Bristol Police Department has trained officer who can assist you by checking the installation of your child safety seat.
We have officers during the day shift 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM and second shift 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

It should be noted that you should call 401-253-6900 in advance to see if a qualified officer is on duty to assist you.

4. When can my child transition from a carseat to a booster seat?

Children under age eight (8) years old, less than fifty-seven (57) inches (4 feet, 9 inches) tall and weighing less that 80 lbs. (max weight limit of a booster seat) must be transported in any rear seating position of a motor vehicle and properly restrained in a child restraint system.

Children between the ages of 8 through 12 as a passenger in any seating position shall be properly wearing a safety belt.

The fine for a child riding in the front seat or over 8 years old not in a seat belt is $95.

A violation for transporting a child not in a child restraint system requires an appearance in court.