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Town of Hampden approves 6% local room occupancy tax by 35–34 vote
Summary
After an advisory committee recommendation against the measure, Town of Hampden voters adopted a local room occupancy excise tax of 6% under M.G.L. c.64G §3A. The Department of Revenue lists seven taxable locations in town; proponents said the tax revenue would be remitted quarterly by the state and is expected to be modest.
Town of Hampden voters adopted a 6% local room occupancy excise tax under Massachusetts General Laws chapter 64G, section 3A after a close hand count that produced a 35–34 result.
The motion presented on the warrant asked the town to "adopt the local room occupancy excise tax under Massachusetts general law 64 g section 3 a at the rate of 6%." The advisory committee recommended unfavorable action, citing two concerns: current town zoning prohibits rentals of less than 30 days, and advisory members said short-term rentals had not demonstrated an increased burden on town services to justify an additional excise.
As explained during the discussion, the Department of Revenue reported roughly seven locations in town currently remitting state room-occupancy collections; presenters said the state collects and remits local assessments and that the town could expect modest revenue. One resident asked whether the specific locations could be posted for public review; presenters said short-term rental listings are available via online platforms and that DOR provides lists for collection purposes but will not disclose certain privacy-protected information.
Moderator: "A negative vote will not allow this tax to be collected. Okay? The town gets the money, the state collects it."
The vote passed by a narrow margin after a hand count. The town must coordinate collection and remittance with the Department of Revenue; the town’s Treasurer/Collector will be the implementing office.
