R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-40-2
The commission shall consist of four (4) to seven (7) members appointed by the mayor with the advice and consent of the city council, or by the town council, or by any authority designated in its city or town charter. The members of the commission are appointed for three (3) year terms, except that the initial appointments are for less than three (3) years to the end that the initial appointments are staggered and so that all subsequent vacancies do not occur at the same time. In the event of a vacancy, interim appointments may be made by the appointing authority to complete the unexpired term of the position. Of the members, two (2) shall be members of the city or town council, one shall be a member of the school committee, one shall be a fiscal or budget officer of the municipality, and the remaining members shall be residents of the municipality.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-40-2