Monday, August 3, 2015

In the News: farm tax requires vote


The Town Council Wednesday will consider a measure for the November ballot that if approved would exempt local farmers from an antiquated excise tax on their animals and machinery. 
Under state law, the town could levy a tax against “persons principally engaged in agriculture.” Their farm animals and equipment would be taxed $5 per $1,000 of assessed value, according to the Board of Assessors. 
However, the town has not recorded the value of a farmer’s wares and beasts since 1990, so the tax has not been imposed. It was believed that the town opted to remove the tax, but did not go through the proper procedure. Now, a townwide vote is needed to make it official.
Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150802/NEWS/150809541/1994/NEWS

Akin Bak, one of three farms in Franklin that would benefit from this measure
Akin Bak, one of three farms in Franklin that would benefit from this measure


The text of the resolution is shown below. The text of the actual ballot question is shown in BOLD.


RESOLUTION 15-48 AUTHORIZATION TO SEEK VOTER APPROVAL TO NOT IMPOSE EXCISE TAX WHICH G.L. CHAPTER 59, SECTION 8A ESTABLISHES ON PERSONS ENGAGED PRINCIPALLY IN AGRICULTURE WHO OWN FARM MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT OR FARM ANIMALS

WHEREAS, G.L. Chapter 59, Section 8A imposes an excise tax on persons engaged principally in agriculture who own farm machinery and equipment or farm animals, but the section also provides that the “local appropriating authority” may seek voter approval to not impose the tax, and

WHEREAS, the Franklin Town Council is the “local appropriating authority” for the Town of Franklin, and

WHEREAS, the tax revenue which Section 8A would provide to Town is minimal in light of the limited number of taxpayers to whom it applies, and the loss of revenue is offset by Town’s interest in encouraging local agricultural operations,

NOW, THEREFORE, the Franklin Town Council hereby votes to seek voter approval at the next regular town election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 not to impose the excise tax established by G.L. Chapter 59, Section 8A by instructing the Town Clerk to include on the ballot for said election the following question: Do you approve of not imposing the excise tax established by G.L. Chapter 59, Section 8A on any person engaged principally in agriculture who owns farm machinery and equipment or farm animals?

This Resolution shall become effective according to the rules and regulations of the Town of Franklin Home Rule Charter.


There are two agenda documents for the Council meeting on Wednesday. One has almost everything, the second has the addendum (files for the manager change for the liquor Licence at Incontro)

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