Helmes v. Commonwealth

On June 23, 1989, the plaintiffs, more than “twenty-four taxable inhabitants of the commonwealth,” commenced this action under G. L. c. 29, § 63 (1988 ed.), seeking to restrain the Commonwealth, acting through the Commissioner of Education, from the expenditure of money, or the incurring of obligations purporting to bind the Commonwealth, for the alteration, remodeling, or repair of the battleship U.S.S. Massachusetts. The plaintiffs claim that (1) the project is a public work subject to the competitive bid requirements of G. L. c. 30, § 39M (1988 ed.), and (2) payment of public funds toward…