The Council shall have the power to assess and tax real or personal
property within the Town, levy taxes, impose licenses and collect
the same to any extent not prohibited by laws of the Commonwealth.
The Town shall have the power to impose, levy and collect a
license tax on any public utility or public service company, including
Electric Power Companies, Telephone Companies, Telegraph Companies,
Railway Companies, Gas Companies, Water or Sewerage Companies, doing
business within the Town, either by serving consumers within the Town,
or maintaining an office in the Town, unless otherwise specifically
prohibited by law; provided, that this section shall in no way limit
any licensing authority otherwise granted the Town by this Charter
or by general law. (1972, c. 68)