ACCEPTANCE OF LEGISLATION / CLAUSE 22I of M.G.L. Chapter 59, §5

To see if the Town of Arlington will accept the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 22I, as created by Chapter 178 of the Acts of 2024, commonly referred to as the "HERO Act", which authorizes an annual increase in the amount of the exemption to veterans granted under General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 22, Clause 22A, Clause 22B, Clause 22C, Clause 22E and Clause 22F by the percentage increase in the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the previous year as determined by the Commissioner of Revenue, to be effective for applicable exemptions granted for any fiscal year beginning on or after July 1, 2025; or take any action related thereto.

Inserted at the request of the Town Manager and Veterans' Service Director

VOTE: Favorable Vote (5-0)

COMMENT: The Select Board unanimously voted to recommend favorable action on this Article following a presentation from Colonel Phillip McGovern, the Town’s Director of Veterans Services. If approved, the Article would provide additional benefits to qualifying veterans in Arlington. A recent state law (the “HERO Act”) permits the Town to accept certain legislation at a local level to increase the amount of tax exemption granted to veterans on their domiciles on an annual basis under certain other clauses of Chapter 59 through a cost of living (‘COLA’) increase.

That the Town of Arlington does hereby accept General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 22I which authorizes an annual increase in the amount of the exemption granted under General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 22A, Clause 22B, Clause 22C, Clause 22E and Clause 22F by the percentage increase in the US. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the previous year as determined by the Commissioner of Revenue, to be effective for applicable exemptions granted for any fiscal year beginning on or after July 1, 2025. 

Select Board Report

Memo, Jim Feeney, Town Manager