It is appalling that, in the current budget crisis, Rhode Island legislators stubbornly refuse to free local communities from some costly mandates, despite the heavy effect on local property owners faced with ever higher taxes. They should read the new report by the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council showing that local communities could save many millions a year in the coming years by making some sensible changes.

For example, establishing a statewide health- and dental-insurance program, instead of effectively forcing cities and towns to negotiate such plans individually, would save communities $17.1 million over three years. Eliminating school-bus monitors, another $11.7 million. Consolidating school food services would save $1.6 million. Repealing the absurd requirement that all school nurses also be certified teachers would save $3.3 million next year.

Want to go further? A 25-percent statewide co-pay for health insurance for municipal employees and teachers would save communities $60 million.

As Dan Beardsley, executive director of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns, noted, communities have long had trouble managing costs because of state-mandated requirements and because of the laws governing the arbitration of union disputes, which tend to make it difficult to rein in spending through contract negotiations.

With cuts in state aid threatening to send local tax bills much higher, it is long past time for the General Assembly to give communities, and their local taxpayers, a break, even at the risk of offending well-organized interests at the State House. Cities and towns should be given the management tools to run tighter ships and spend money where they can best help their communities.