Richmond Council appoints James Jay Drew as new full-time tax assessor

In the heart of Richmond, under the warm glow of city hall lights, the Town Council convened on February 4, 2025, to address pressing matters that would shape the community's future. Among the most significant discussions was the appointment of a new full-time tax assessor, following the departure of the current assessor, Carmen.

The council welcomed James Drew, affectionately known as Jay, who brings over 30 years of experience in assessing and appraising properties across Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Currently commuting from Barrington, Jay expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to work closer to home in Richmond. The council proposed a salary of $73,945, which Jay accepted, albeit with a slight pay cut. To balance this, the council agreed to grant him four weeks of vacation—a notable concession given the town's standard policy of no vacation time for new hires. This decision sparked a conversation among council members about the importance of competitive benefits to attract top talent, suggesting a potential reevaluation of vacation policies in future hiring practices.

As the meeting progressed, the council also addressed appointments and reappointments, including the reappointment of Pauline Streitz to the Conservation Commission, which was unanimously approved. However, the discussion took a turn when the topic of appointing Christopher Kona as town moderator arose. While Kona's qualifications were praised, a late application from another candidate, Nel Carpenter, prompted concerns about fairness in the selection process. The council debated whether to delay the vote to consider both candidates, highlighting the procedural intricacies of council operations.

Ultimately, the council decided to proceed with the vote on Kona's appointment, emphasizing the need to adhere to established procedures. The meeting concluded with a sense of anticipation for the next gathering, where the council would revisit the moderator position and potentially welcome new applicants.

As Richmond continues to evolve, the decisions made in these council meetings reflect a commitment to fostering a community that values experience, fairness, and the well-being of its residents. The discussions not only shape the immediate landscape of local governance but also set the stage for future developments in this vibrant town.