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Housing commission urges board to put local-option-tax revenue into an economic improvement reserve
Summary
On a proposed town-meeting article, the housing commission (Patty, on the phone) recommended directing 100% of the local-option tax into a Community Economic Improvement Reserve Fund to support grant matches and economic revitalization rather than dedicating the funds solely to housing.
During review of the draft town-meeting warning, the housing commission representative on the phone (Patty) told the board the commission recommends allocating 100% of local-option-tax revenue to a Community Economic Improvement Reserve Fund rather than restricting it strictly to housing. "We're recommending that a 100% of the local option tax go to the Community Economic Improvement Reserve Fund," she said, adding that the select board would retain discretion over how funds are allocated to projects that promote economic vitality and provide match for grants.
Board members debated whether presenting a fixed percentage on the warning would complicate tax-rate calculations and voter understanding. Staff noted that voters can choose a 0%–100% allocation at town meeting and that article language could be adjusted before finalizing the warning; one member suggested waiting for full board attendance before committing to a number for the warning.
