Overrides less popular north of Boston this year

Voters are starting to deliver their verdicts on proposed tax increases in the region north of Boston - with mixed results - in what is shaping up as a quiet year for the perennial local issue.

In the last few weeks, residents in Groveland, Hamilton, Merrimac, and Wenham have taken first steps or final action on tax-raising requests.

Because of the harsh financial winds buffeting cities and towns, debate over local taxes seems relatively subdued this year, with many communities reluctant to ask cash-strapped taxpayers for more money.

"I think what you find is the climate is not there for an override. People are really hurting in their personal lives," said Robert Mercier, Burlington town administrator, whose town is not taking up any tax-raising proposals this year.

Ipswich officials decided against seeking an override this year "based on the recognition that this is a tough time for everyone," said Robert T. Merkel, town manager. "We said the right course for us is to live within our available funds."

Merkel said among area municipal managers, there is also a sense that "voters are not going to be amenable to an override" this year.

But residents in at least eight other area communities have been asked to consider overrides, debt exclusions, or capital exclusions. An override allows a municipality to permanently exceed its property tax cap of 2.5 percent plus new revenue from growth. A debt exclusion allows it to temporarily exceed the cap to repay debt for a project. A capital exclusion allows higher taxes for one year to fund a specific need.

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