Rhode Island Health Center Faces Doubtful Court Over Tax Break

The Rhode Island Supreme Court on Wednesday indicated it may deny Providence Community Health Centers Inc.'s claim for a property tax exemption on one of its buildings located outside its headquarters.

During oral arguments, PCHC argued that the statutory phrase “real and tangible personal property of The Providence Community Health Centers, Inc., a Rhode Island domestic nonprofit corporation, located in Providence, Rhode Island,” means PCHC only needs to be based in Providence for its property to be exempt, regardless of the property’s actual location.

Chief Justice Paul A. Suttell expressed doubt about PCHC’s interpretation. He pointed out that the structure ...