EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Providence Mayor Brett Smiley joined 12 News at 4 on Wednesday to discuss the capital city's upcoming budget proposal and more. Providence city budget Smiley told 12 News anchor Kim Kalunian that balancing this year's budget is particularly tricky due to a sett lement that requires the city to pay Providence Public Schools upward of $10 million. The mayor said that money will come from a combination of new property taxes, revenue fines and fees, and cuts on the part of the city. "I think the most fair way to treat this difficult budget is to ask everyone to do a little," Smiley explained. The Providence City Council has agreed to a resolution that would allow the city to exceed the state-mandated tax levy cap of 4% for one year to help make up the difference in the budget. That resolution still needs approval from state lawmakers. LATEST: Providence City Council opens door to property tax increases Contaminated recycling Providence sent 18,000 tons of contaminated recyclables to the landfill in 2024, costing the city upward of $1 million in fines. Smiley said that while the city does fine some property owners for improper recycling, the focus is currently on improving education and signage about what can and cannot be recycled. MORE: RI cities and towns work to combat financial strain of improper recycling Carl G. Lauro Elementary School Smiley told 12 News his latest proposal for the Carl G. Lauro Elementary School building, which would use half of the building as a swing space for Providence students and the other half to house a charter school, would eliminate what neighbors are calling an "attractive nuisance." "The building's been empty now for two years, and we've seen there is no viable alternative for this building other than as a school," the mayor added. "The neighbors want to see [it become] a school again." MORE: Smiley floats new proposal for shuttered Providence elementary school Hasbro headquarters The mayor said he hasn't heard anything about whether Hasbro will consider moving its headquarters to Providence, but said he's "not going down without a fight." "Until that moving truck rolls up, I'm not giving up," he quipped. MORE: What is the future location of Hasbro’s HQ? Watch the full interview in the player above. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media:                     Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Special Coverage & Notices SIGN UP NOW ...read more read less