Bona Clarifies Council’s Role in Granting Taxi Licenses

North Adams City Council President Keith Bona had asked the city council last month to investigate why it reviews and signs off on each and every application for a taxi driver license in the city.

The Berkshire Eagle  reports that that before the council could even refer the matter to a committee for further deliberation, it received a clear-cut answer.

Chapter 159A of Massachusetts General Law specifies that the City Council or Select Board of a town must issue such licenses.

The council’s part in the approval process has been periodically questioned over the years.

The application process begins in the City Clerk’s office, but drivers are then subject to a background check Department of Public Safety review.