Taunton council approves cannabis license scoring matrix, names three-member screening committee

The Taunton Municipal Council’s Committee of the Whole voted to adopt a proposed scoring matrix for reviewing marijuana retail license applications and appointed a three-member screening committee to review initial applications, with the city’s licensing board scheduled to take over licensing on Jan. 1, 2026.

Councilors and legal counsel said the matrix — drafted largely by Councilor Sanders with input from Councilor Stewart and Attorney Bond — is intended to make the application review more objective and defensible than the existing “first-come” approach. Supporters said the matrix will allow the city to compare applicants “compare and contrast” on documented criteria rather than awarding licenses to whoever applies first.

The matrix was presented at the Committee of the Whole meeting by Attorney Bond, who had been asked to attend for legal guidance. The committee voted on the matrix by voice vote; the motion passed with no recorded opposition. Councilors praised the draft but also discussed whether the long-term home for licensing should be the city’s licensing board.

On a separate motion, Councilor Borges moved — and the council approved — creation of a screening subcommittee composed of the council president, the chair of the Ordinance Committee and the chair of Police and License to evaluate and screen the initial pool of applicants. The motion was amended and adopted to allow any named chair who does not wish to serve to designate another councilor in their place. Members said the subcommittee is intended only for the initial review; the licensing board will assume responsibility for licensing beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

Councilors noted time constraints: Attorney Bond and council members said the ordinance and scoring process must be finalized by May 1. Several councilors recommended the licensing board ultimately handle licensing because it is “less political”; others urged the council retain oversight through an initial screening phase so the matrix can be tested and adjusted. Councilor Sanders and others said the matrix might later be amended to change weights on individual scoring categories as experience accrues.

Councilors also discussed the treatment of social equity applicants. The council referred to the existing local ordinance and to state requirements and Cannabis Control Commission rules; during discussion a councilor said state law requires awarding social-equity applicants a fixed share of points (the transcript referenced both “25%” and a separate “18 points” figure). Councilor Duarte asked Attorney Bond to provide a formal legal opinion on whether reviewing social-equity and non–social-equity applications in separate “piles” would undermine the statutory intent of the mandatory social-equity points. Attorney Bond agreed to remain involved and to advise the council and the subcommittee.

The motions to adopt the matrix and to form the screening subcommittee passed by voice votes; no roll-call tallies were recorded in the transcript.

The subcommittee is to begin work promptly so the city can finalize the ordinance and the scoring process before the target transfer of licensing duties to the licensing board on Jan. 1, 2026.