R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-3-8: Compensation of local registrars.

(a) Each local registrar not otherwise compensated out of the respective town or city treasuries for this purpose shall be paid by the town or city the sum of twenty cents ($0.20) for each certificate of birth, death, fetal death, or marriage registered by him or her and transmitted to the state registrar of vital records in accordance with the rules and regulations issued under this chapter.

(b) If no birth, death, fetal death, or marriage is registered by him or her during any calendar month, the local registrar shall report that fact to the state registrar of vital records.