The president of Bryant University is threatening to sue the state over legislation that would force the school to reimburse the town of Smithfield for the cost of police, fire and rescue services.

Bryant President Ronald Machtley said Sunday that the proposal disregards the university's nonprofit status. The Providence Journal reports that Machtley is urging Gov. Lincoln Chafee to veto the legislation, which was approved by the General Assembly.

The bill calls for Bryant to pay the town $250,000 to $370,000 annually for police, fire and rescue services.

Smithfield state Rep. Thomas Winfield says taxpayers shouldn't have to foot the bill for public safety responses at the university. The bill's supporters also say colleges in Providence are doing more to help the city with payments in lieu of taxes.

[Associated Press]

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