Newton aldermen pass local option meals tax

By Caitlin Castello, Town Correspondent

The Newton Board of Aldermen voted this week to implement the local options meals tax, which will go into effect at the start of 2010.

Twenty-two aldermen voted Monday night in favor of the tax. Greer Tan Swiston, Ward 3 alderman-at-large, voted in opposition, and John Freedman, Ward 8 alderman-at-large, was absent from the vote.

Newton could earn $606,000 in revenue for the remaining fiscal year and $1.4 million in the next year.

“The Mayor has been a sincere advocate that the city needs meals tax revenue,” said Jeremy Solomon, director of policy and communications. “I think he appreciates the tax vote is never easy for an elected official.”

Caitlin Castello can be reached at caitlincastello@gmail.com.