R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-9-8: Appointment of receiver in a fiscal emergency.

In the event the director of revenue determines, in consultation with the auditor general, that a city, town, or fire district is facing a fiscal emergency and that circumstances do not allow for appointment of a fiscal overseer or a budget commission prior to the appointment of a receiver, the director of revenue may appoint a receiver without having first appointed a fiscal overseer or a budget commission.