Edgartown voters approved a $30.7 million operating budget and agreed to spend Community Preservation Act funds for a range of projects, including $350,000 to renovate the interior of the town hall.
When voters gather within the newly painted walls of the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown next Tuesday, they will take on a town meeting warrant with 66 articles and a $30.7 million town budget.
Edgartown’s tax rate will increase slightly in 2014, with the town selectmen this week approving a tax rate of $3.70 for every $1,000 worth of property.
Changes have been approved to an agreement between the town and the Cape and Vineyard Electric Cooperative Inc. (CVEC) to create solar arrays on town-owned parcels of land. The projects are expected to save the town millions in electricity costs down the road.
Renovations began this week on the Edgartown town hall, closing part of the town hall parking lot and one of the entrances to the building.
Edgartown procurement officer Jen O’Hanlon said that the repairs are expected to last until January. The work includes putting a new roof on the building, as well as painting and other small repairs.
The Massachusetts Attorney General has approved a new Edgartown bylaw that will require minimum maintenance on buildings in the town historic district.
Last April Edgartown town meeting approved the new bylaw, which will require owners of buildings in the historic district to “keep such buildings from falling into a state of poor repair.” This applies to the exterior of buildings or interior portions of buildings that, if not adequately maintained, will affect the exterior.
Violators are subject to a fine of $300 per day.