A proposal by Selectman Steve Holmes to increase the number of “Class 2” automotive business licenses in Wareham to allow more used car lots prompted a long discussion at Tuesday’s Board of Selectmen meeting.

The town currently grants 15 such licenses. Holmes presented a plan to increase that number to 20 as a way to help increase local employment, spur the economy, and meet the need of the many residents who may not be able to afford a new car.

"With five additional licenses, we would estimate a general input into the local economy of close to $2 million," Holmes said.

While none of his fellow selectmen outright opposed the idea, several were skeptical.

"We're a small community, and I'm not sure that adding used car lots ... is going to generate the kind of income that we would hope it would for the town," said Selectman Cara Winslow. She added that many issues can arise from such used car lots, such as residents being taken advantage of by predatory lenders.

Members of the Board noted 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.

Selectmen also pointed out that some of the businesses that remain open do not appear to keep regular hours. The Board discussed possibly requiring any business holding a town license to operate with regular hours, and members suggested that the town should enforce such a policy – as it does with holders of liquor licenses.

With a new car out of reach for many people, the Board of Selectmen agreed that the proposal deserved further consideration. It was tabled for further discussion at a later date.