Tonight, we got a fair amount done, but we left a lot of articles on the table for later. We started discussing the interest rate to be imposed on the elderly who opt to defer their property taxes. After defeating an amendment that would set the bottom rate at 4%, I voted with the majority to approve a rate without a lower cap. The expectation is that the number of seniors who are able to take advantage of this program may double due to the new rate and the loosening of the income criteria.
We approved no action on articles dealing with tax exemptions for the elderly, creation of a municipal finance department, and enactment of local option taxes. We tabled collective bargaining, town budgets, special education reserve fund, and historic signs so they could be presented by the correct people when we have more time. The articles related to Minuteman Tech were all postponed until May 9, when the superintendent will be available.
We voted to accept the report of the Town-School consolidation committee. I voted with the majority to approve the home-rule legislation to allocate wireless proceeds to open space maintenance. We approved the CDGB allocations, the revolving funds, positions re-classifications, and financing of sewer and water projects. We voted to approve the appropriations for committees and commissions, town celebrations, water bodies fund, and other miscellaneous expenses.
The last item of the night was a discussion regarding a proposed committee to discuss parking meters. Despite an early attempt to adjourn, we stayed in session until we could complete the discussion and vote. Monday will be a special town meeting, and we were eager to complete this article before we left. The substitute motion was approved, and the committee formed. We then adjourned until Monday.
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