Oak Bluffs voters took a first step toward banning moped rentals, signed off on a laundry list of capital improvement projects, and approved a $30.3 million budget, the largest in the history of the town.
Facing a budget shortfall for the coming fiscal year fueled by education costs, health insurance and salaries, Oak Bluffs town administrator Bob Whritenour is recommending a $750,000 general override at the annual town meeting in April.
A sprawling annual town meeting in Oak Bluffs drew debate over two nights this week, with voters grappling with issues related to moped safety, the crumbling Island Theatre and a new town hall.
Three Annual Town Meetings Held on Super Tuesday
Oak Bluffs met at The Performing Arts Center.
Oak Bluffs met at The Performing Arts Center.
Edgartown voters congregate outside The Old Whaling Church on Main Street.
Edgartown voters congregate outside The Old Whaling Church on Main Street.
Select board members and town moderator Steve Ewing on stage.
Select board members and town moderator Steve Ewing on stage.
Edgartown voters filing in and filling the pews.
Edgartown voters filing in and filling the pews.
Settling in for a lengthy warrant.
Settling in for a lengthy warrant.
Applause for Gail Barmakian after her select board career.
Applause for Gail Barmakian after her select board career.
Oak Bluffs voters use yellow voting cards.
Oak Bluffs voters use yellow voting cards.
Voters line up to discuss the ADU bylaw.
Voters line up to discuss the ADU bylaw.
Jose Sanabria spoke out on behalf of small business owners.
Jose Sanabria spoke out on behalf of small business owners.
Oak Bluffs police chief Jonathan Searle expresses doubts about enforcement.
Oak Bluffs police chief Jonathan Searle expresses doubts about enforcement.
Oak BLuffs select board members cast their votes.
Oak BLuffs select board members cast their votes.
Voters line up outside the West Tisbury School.
Voters line up outside the West Tisbury School.
West Tisbury voters have their voices heard.
West Tisbury voters have their voices heard.
Voting with cards in West Tisbury.
Voting with cards in West Tisbury.
Doug Ruskin at the mic.
Doug Ruskin at the mic.
Reading the West Tisbury warrant.
Reading the West Tisbury warrant.
Tuesday was annual town meeting day for Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and West Tisbury. Voters came to The Old Whaling Church, The Martha's Vineyard Performing Arts Center, and The West Tisbury School gym to vote.