At tonight's Town Meeting, representatives voted in favor of two new local option taxes - 1% each on Rooms and Meals & Alcohol.
First up, Meals and Alcohol. This had most of the debate and was introduced by Dick DeGrey. Arguments for and against were offered. Those for thought that this was a minor inconvenience, a "luxury" tax, and a small amount. It would help property owners spread the tax burden to a wider group of people.
Those against thought that this would be an added burden, and another reason to think of Brattleboro as over-taxed. It would fall on locals more than tourists to pay this tax on food, drinks, and rooms. ("Affairs" being one reason given for possible local use of hotel rooms.) Some suggested we implement our own local tax to get 100% of the tax revenue.
Some wished it tabled until Town Meeting in March, so that we would know what next year's budget would be and how this money could be spent. The motion to table failed.
A few argued for giving some to the arts community, as they were perceived as a generator of much of this income. How to spend the money, said the moderator, would have to come after the vote on the taxes.
In the end, the vote was 64-37 in favor. (I voted against.)
With little additional discussion, the Rooms Tax introduced by Kevin Yager passed 81-14. (I voted for.)
After the vote, BaBB member Don Webster introduced a motion for an advisory vote on whether the Town should own and operate the River Garden. BaBB provided a handout showing all the financial reasons it would be a bad idea to do this. Town meeting members were a great representative sample of the town, it was argued, and could tell BaBB what the community wanted to do.
Some reps, myself included, argued that this was a bit sudden and it would be better if we could get the input of our neighbors and those we represent. Others thought the wording of the motion was specious, creating a loaded question.
The motion was then changed to include other options, including having a non-profit take it over and manage it, and "none of the above."
By this point, the quorum was fading. In the end, the Town Meeting Reps endorsed the option of working with a non-profit to run the River Garden. (I didn't vote.)