Scituate Postpones Local Meals Tax Increase Pending Action From State Legislature
Key Points
- Action on the meals tax increase is stalled due to a lack of state enabling legislation.
- The Select Board and Advisory Board both recommended indefinite postponement.
- The town cannot legally adjust the local option meals tax under current state statutes.
Article 31, which proposed an increase to the local option meals tax, was indefinitely postponed during the second night of Town Meeting. Select Board member Dr. Nico (Athen Osenko) explained that the town currently lacks the legal authority to enact the change. Article 31 is not possible right now,
Dr. Nico stated, noting that the town must wait for the state legislature to pass enabling legislation before Scituate can move forward with any adjustments to the rate.
The Advisory Board, represented by Jerry Kelly, expressed support for the postponement. The move to delay the article ensures the town remains in compliance with current state law while keeping the door open for future revenue discussions should the legislature grant municipalities more flexibility.