New Bedford council unanimously approves letter opposing proposed tax increases in Municipal Empowerment Act
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Summary
After debate and an amendment, the City Council voted 11–0 to send a letter opposing a 5% excise tax increase and other tax options in Governor Healey’s proposed Municipal Empowerment Act, while expressing support for other procurement and modernization provisions in the bill.
The New Bedford City Council on Feb. 13 voted unanimously to send a letter to the state delegation opposing a package of proposed local tax increases included in Gov. Maura Healey’s Municipal Empowerment Act.
Councilors debated the municipal bill and focused on a 5% option to raise the motor vehicle excise tax. Councilor Brian Gomes urged opposition to the proposal, saying households and local businesses are being “crippled” by rising costs and urging transparency on where tax revenues are spent. Councilor Ryan Perera said he supported most of the bill’s modernization and procurement provisions but not the tax options and moved to amend the council’s letter to specify opposition to the 5% excise option as well as potential increases to the gas, meals, lodging and car-rental taxes. The amendment, moved by Perera and seconded by Gomes, passed. The amended motion to receive and place the measure on file, waive council rule 40 and send an opposition letter then passed by roll call, 11–0.
Why it matters: The Municipal Empowerment Act would give municipalities new revenue options and other authorities. Councilors said they back many administrative updates in the bill but oppose empowering cities and towns to raise certain taxes on residents and visitors at this time.
The clerk was instructed to prepare a letter reflecting the council’s amended position opposing the named tax increases and to send it to the city’s state delegation and legislative leadership.
