Town Meeting members approved Article 2, authorizing the town to adopt a state law that allows for the denial, revocation, or suspension of local licenses and permits for individuals who have failed to pay their municipal taxes or charges. The measure serves as a new enforcement tool for the town treasurer to ensure property tax compliance.

Warrant Committee Chair Jay Funling emphasized the importance of the measure given the town's financial structure. The treasurer has asked for this as another tool to try to get people to pay their taxes, Funling stated. Since we're so dependent on property taxes, we want to make sure everyone is paying their appropriate amount.

The new bylaw, which adopts Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40, Section 57, includes provisions for appeals to ensure residents have a process to contest any permit denials. The Select Board unanimously supported the article as a necessary step for fiscal accountability.

Motion: To accept MGL Chapter 40, Section 57, and amend general bylaws to include provisions for the denial, revocation, or suspension of local licenses and permits for failure to pay municipal taxes or charges.

Vote: Passed 200-5-0