Town Meeting members voted overwhelmingly to adopt Article 2, a local option under state law that allows the town to withhold or suspend local licenses and permits for individuals who have failed to pay their municipal taxes. The move, supported by the town treasurer, provides the administration with a significant new tool to ensure tax compliance across the community.

Warrant Committee Chair Jay Funling noted that the bylaw would allow the treasurer to communicate with other municipal boards to identify residents or business owners who are behind on their obligations. A typical example would be if someone's behind on property taxes and wants to get a building permit, Funling explained. The building department might say, 'No, we can't give you a permit yet until you're up on your taxes.'

The discussion highlighted a sense of fairness following the town's recent override vote. Officials argued that if the majority of residents voted to increase their own taxes to keep the town government running, the town should have every tool available to ensure everyone pays their fair share. The new rule applies to various municipal approvals, though it does not affect certain essential services or specific state-mandated rights.

Motion: B. Zul moved that the Town accept the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40, Section 57, regarding the denial, revocation, or suspension of local licenses and permits for failure to pay municipal taxes or charges.

Vote: Passed 200-5-0