R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-25-4

Any twenty-five (25) residents of a city may file a petition with the city clerk stating that there is a need for an authority to function in the city. Upon the filing of the petition, the city clerk shall give notice of the time, place, and purposes of a public hearing at which the council will determine the need for an authority in the city. The notice shall be given at the city’s expense by publishing a notice, at least ten (10) days preceding the day on which the hearing is to be held, in a newspaper having a general circulation in the city or, if there is no newspaper, by posting a notice in at least three (3) public places within the city, at least ten (10) days preceding the day on which the hearing is to be held.