Madison Votes Against Raising Prices for Beach Passes

Some good news for Madison residents as the Board of Selectmen voted to have beach passes remain at their current level and the town will absorb the new state sales tax for the 2016 season, according to meeting minutes.

Background

First Selectman Fillmore McPherson stated that due to a change in state legislation there is a sales tax collection on the beach passes, according to meeting minutes.

The Beach and Recreation Commission voted last month to have the Town absorb this tax, which is currently estimated to be $12,000 per year.

Currently, a $40 pass would total roughly $43 with that roughly $3 in taxes being passed on to the state.

Tom Banisch, Chairman of the Beach and Recreation Commission stated, according to meeting minutes, that the feeling of the commission was that residents are already paying enough for the beach passes. He stated that also increasing the beach pass fees in general would increase the tax the state assessed for the passes.

Action taken

Discuss and take action to approve changing the Beach Pass fees in light of the new state sales tax.

DISCUSSION: First Selectman Fillmore McPherson stated that this item was tabled at the last meeting after the Board could not come to a consensus.

MOVED by Selectman Stadterman and seconded by Selectman Walker to APPROVE the beach passes to remain at their current level and the Town to absorb the state sales tax for the 2016 season.

VOTE: This motion was approved with three votes in favor and two opposed.