Delegates debate draft home-rule petition for real‑estate transfer fee to fund housing; towns’ local control remains central concern

Delegates discussed a draft home‑rule petition on Oct. 15 that would authorize participating Barnstable County towns to impose an optional real‑estate transfer fee to raise funds for housing. The economic affairs committee presented a first written draft and summary that envisages towns retaining 90% of the fee revenue for local housing purposes and directing 10% to the county for administration and regional housing initiatives.

Delegate Harder, chair of the Assembly’s Economic Affairs Committee, told the assembly the committee’s draft “envisions that participating towns would retain 90% of revenue for local housing purposes with 10% directed to the county for administration and regional housing initiatives.” The draft also contemplates an opt‑in structure and suggested a $1,000,000 minimum exemption threshold.

Delegates raised recurring issues that the committee and drafting group will need to…