Richmond at a Glance:

The town of Richmond is located in Washington County, Rhode Island. Richmond was incorporated as a separate and distinct town in 1747. It is bounded on the north by the town of Exeter, on the west by the Wood River, on the east by the towns of Exeter and South Kingstown, and on the south by the Pawcatuck River. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 40.8 square miles, of which 0.2 square miles is water. A 2,359-acre tract in Richmond is owned by the state and managed for wildlife food and habitat as the Carolina Management Area. The Carolina Management Area is primarily forest (1,416 acres), but also includes wetlands and agricultural land.

The town government is directed by a 5-member Town Council that is headed by a council president. In May 2007, Richmond voters approved a referendum to create a Home Rule Charter Commission which took effect in 2009. The Charter retains many features of the prior government: the 5-member Town Council headed by a council president; an elected town clerk; and a Finance Board and an annual Financial Town Meeting. The major changes included 4-year terms for the town councilors instead of 2 years, effective in November 2010, and the creation of a Town Administrator who reports directly to the town council.