The Board of Selectmen voted to increase the number of “Class 2” automotive business licenses in Wareham to allow more used car lots during Tuesday’s Board of Selectmen meeting.

The town will now grant 20 such licenses, five more than what was previously issued. During a meeting on January 4, Selectman Steve Holmes presented a proposal to increase the number as a way to help increase local employment, energize the economy, and meet the need of the many residents who may not be able to afford a new car.

Tuesday’s discussion was prompted by Director of Inspectional Services Myles Burke, who said the department recently completed inspections of Class 2 used car lots, and noted the public’s desire for additional licenses.

Members of the Board reiterated concerns that some of the current license holders appear to have closed their businesses and suggested that their licenses should be available for others who want to open used car lots.

“I’m not overly comfortable approving five licenses,” Selectman Cara Winslow said. She suggested the number be reduced to three instead, expressing concern that there were no guarantees the vacant lots would be used.

Burke found that several of the operational used car businesses don’t have cars on their lots at all, however owners would like to keep their licenses, since it is required to auction cars online.

“It’s a way to generate revenue for the town and create new jobs,” Burke told the Board, recommending the increase be approved.

Selectman Steve Holmes agreed, saying: “This is the type of (initiative) that starts to spur things.” During the January 4 Selectmen meeting, Holmes estimated that five additional licenses would result in a general input into the local economy of close to $2 million.

“In economic times like these it is the right thing to do,” Selectman Brenda Eckstrom said Tuesday. “We have to try to give people the opportunity. If it’s not being handled the way we want it handled, we can pull" the licenses.

The Board stipulated any business holding a town license must operate with regular hours, and gave Inspectional Services the right to revoke permits if operations do not comply with these regulations, as it does with holders of liquor licenses.