Lee Seeks To Become First Mass. Town With Local Gas Tax

A Berkshire County town wants to become the first in the state to establish a municipal gas tax to help pay for infrastructure repairs, a request that if approved could pave the way for other communities to do the same.

The Berkshire Eagle reports that State Rep. William Pignatelli has filed a home-rule petition that would allow Lee to charge up to an additional 3 cents per gallon of gasoline sold in town. Lee has eight gas stations.

The Lenox Democrat also plans to file a bill that would allow all 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts the option of enacting their own gas tax.

If approved by House and Senate, Lee voters would have the final say at the ballot box next year.