Mayor Weighing Support of Braintree Meals Tax

Partway into his second term, Mayor Joseph Sullivan has signalled an openness to the Braintree meals tax not seen in years past.

While still undecided, Sullivan said that the local option – bringing the tax at Braintree restaurants from 6.25 percent to 7 percent – is worth exploring as a way to gird the town against diminishing and unstable federal and state revenue sources.

"I've not put my shoulder behind this in the past," Sullivan said in a recent interview, during which he laid out a case for the tax.

Throughout his first term, it was important to demonstrate solid financial stewardship, he said. That included building reserves, spending within the town's means and increasing its bond rating. Looking ahead, a combination of federal budget sequestration and continued drops in unrestricted state local aid need to be addressed.

"I don't want a level of dependency on waiting on the feds or waiting on state government to assist," Sullivan said. "It's something we need to talk about."

The state Department of Revenue has estimated the tax could bring in upwards of $900,000 annually to Braintree. It could be an "important ingredient for a strong community," the mayor said, and could contribute to local capital projects.

The meals tax, proposed this spring for a third time by Town Councilor John Mullaney, is not currently a part of the mayor's budget. It was referred last month to the Committee on Ways & Means.

Members of the Braintree Chamber of Commerce and some councilors have already expressed their strong disagreement with instituting the tax, saying that it would hurt local businesses and residents.

Ways & Means Chair Paul "Dan" Clifford said he does not support the measure, while Council President Charles Kokoros said he is waiting to see what happens with a review of the ordinance in committee.

Sullivan said he is looking forward to a "thoughtful discussion," one in which he plans to explore the tax with all stakeholders and incorporate the concerns of the business community.