As you know, the short term rental law requires a number of new taxes on rentals of 31 days and less, effective for stays beginning July 1st. The state excise tax is 5.7% and Nantucket has a local option tax of 6%. The Nantucket Select Board met last night and, after much discussion and public comment, voted 3-2 to recommend that the 6% local option room occupancy tax be changed to 4%. The majority felt it more prudent to phase this tax in over time, giving all an opportunity to evaluate the efficacy of the new law. This amendment will be discussed and voted on by the Nantucket community at our annual Town Meeting, which begins on April 1, 2019. If it is adopted, the tax to our visitors will be 9.7% and will go into effect immediately. There are still other additional taxes under consideration as well.We encourage you, if you would like your voice heard, to attend. Non-registered voters are allowed to attend and speak but not to vote. We also would ask that you spread the word amongst your local contacts who vote and encourage them to attend as well.