By Scott MacKeen
Contributor
8/14/08

(previous)
Several warrant articles are being considered, according to Mearn.
One article may ask Town Meeting to adopt the Community Preservation Act (CPA), an act signed in 2000 by then-Gov. Paul Cellucci that allows cities and towns to raise local property taxes to acquire open space, preserve historic buildings and landscapes and create and maintain affordable housing. The CPA provides significant state matching funds to participating communities.
Most cities and towns in Massachusetts have adopted the act through the required local ballot initiative, according to a 2006 report. A majority vote at Town Meeting is required to pass the act.
A committee appointed by Selectmen in 2005 recommended that the town accept the CPA as a bylaw.
If approved by Town Meeting and passed on a town-wide ballot, the act would raise property taxes by 1.5 percent, according to Mearn. There would be exemptions for low-income residents and for commercial properties.
The committee estimated the CPA would generate around $500,000 in town revenue.
Another potential article involves the funding for injured firefighter Tony Pickens. Mearn says there is an article being considered, which if it were approved, would free up salary at the fire department by transferring Pickens to the pension plan. He says Pickens would “essentially be retired” under the new plan but would collect full base-salary pay for his position for around 15 years before entering a retirement plan.
Mearn says the town is also considering the purchase of a six-acre property on Randolph Avenue to house an animal shelter. The property is current owned by the Animal Rescue League.
Warrant article discussions are ongoing.