Town administrator outlines proposed Municipal Empowerment Act and new building‑code short‑term rental inspections

Town Administrator Liz Sullivan summarized legislation the governor announced at the Massachusetts Municipal Association conference and described several provisions that would affect local operations if enacted.

Sullivan said the proposed Municipal Empowerment Act would permanently enable local flexibilities for remote and hybrid public meetings, reform procurement rules (including raising Chapter 30B advertised procurement thresholds), create enforcement for removal of double utility poles, authorize local option revenue expansions (hotel/lodging and meals tax increases), and propose an OPEB commission to examine long‑term benefit funding. She said some provisions mirror measures filed last year and encouraged officials to consult the MMA portal for full bill language.

Sullivan also noted that the state adopted the 10th edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code effective Oct. 11, 2024, which mandates annual inspections for short‑term rental properties as defined in the code. She told the board the town has adjusted inspection scheduling and emphasized that building inspections are required in addition to health inspections for short‑term rentals.

Why it matters: the provisions Sullivan highlighted would change municipal procurement, inspection duties, and potential local revenue options; the town will evaluate the implications if the legislation advances.

Representative quote: "These efficiency measures ... would permanently enable the existing local flexibilities for remote and hybrid public meetings, reform procurement rules and establish enforcement mechanisms to expedite the removal of doubled up utility poles," Sullivan said.