The Town of Braintree voted unanimously on Dec. 16 to adopt two local options created by the Massachusetts HERO Act that expand property and motor-vehicle exemptions for qualifying veterans.

Mayor Joyce, introducing the proposals, said the measures would provide “more financial relief for veterans” and framed the changes as a way for the town to match its ceremonial recognition of veterans with concrete benefits. Finance Director Mike Esman told the council the changes would “essentially double” the town’s existing real-estate exemption amounts for qualifying veterans and add an annual cost-of-living inflator tied to the Consumer Price Index.

Esman estimated the local cost at “roughly, $235,000,” saying the measures would take effect in the town’s fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026 (fiscal 2027), and would be paid from the existing overlay. He said the town has roughly 250 qualifying veterans and their families who could take advantage of the expanded exemptions and that staff will report back to Ways and Means on uptake.

Councilor Reynolds, a veteran, said the change was “a no-brainer” and described the measure as modest but meaningful assistance for veterans who qualify. The Ways and Means Committee had given the measures a unanimous favorable recommendation before the full council vote.

The council approved separate motions to (1) authorize an annual increase to applicable exemption amounts tied to the U.S. Department of Labor/BLS Consumer Price Index and (2) increase the exemption amounts by 100% for applicable clauses of General Laws chapter 59, section 5, with both votes taken by unanimous voice vote. The motions were described on the record as effective for exemptions granted for fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2026.

The council directed that adoption be implemented administratively by finance staff and that Ways and Means continue to monitor fiscal impacts in future budget reports.