Fewer communities seek overrides

As local residents struggle to get by in a dismal economy, municipal officials in communiteis west of Boston say they are reluctant to ask voters to raise their property taxes.

In towns like Sudbury, Holliston, and Wellesley they are making due with what they have rather than seek more money through an override of the state's tax-limiting law, Proposition 2 1/2, according to this Globe West article.

"The general thinking is that it's extremely difficult to ask them to support an override when the terrible economy is affecting virtually everyone," said Larry O'Brien, chairman of Sudbury's Board of Selectmen. "It's a lot to ask."

Even in Wrentham and Belmont, where votes on tax increases are being considered, officials are pessimistic about the outcome.

"A lot of the feedback we're getting is negative," said John McFeeley, town administrator in Wrentham, where an override is on the ballot Monday. "People are focused on their own personal situation more so than the town's. People are losing their jobs."

Geoffrey Beckwith, executive director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association, said it appears as though fewer communities are considering Proposition 2 1/2 overrides this spring, but noted that it's still early in the budget process. He said some may hold off making the decision until the state and national economic picture is more clear.