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Select Board explores 1% local option tax to support emergency services
Summary
Board members discussed pursuing a 1% local option tax on retail alcohol, tobacco (including vapes) and retail cannabis sales, and agreed to further study earmarking proceeds for EMS and fire services and to plan public information sessions ahead of any ballot question.
Select Board members on June 11 discussed exploring a 1% local option sales tax and directed staff to research next steps and public outreach. Members identified categories that could be covered — alcohol, tobacco products (including vapes) and retail cannabis sales — and noted that the tax is collected by retailers, remitted to the state and reimbursed to the town.
Several board members proposed earmarking any revenue for emergency services (EMS, fire and rescue), saying targeted funding would be an easier proposition for voters. The board reviewed state-provided fiscal-year sales numbers used to estimate potential revenue and discussed ballot timing: to appear on the November ballot, statutory steps and public-notice deadlines would need to be completed in August; otherwise the board could aim for the next regular town ballot in March.
The board agreed to hold at least two informational sessions for residents before placing any article on a ballot and to continue staff work on revenue estimates and distribution options.
