In 1980, voters, via ballot initiative, approved Proposition 2 1/2, which limits the amount cities and towns can raise property taxes to 2.5 percent annually over the previous year, plus the value of new growth. But the tax rate still can be raised further, if residents vote yes to an override.
There are three kinds: Capital exclusions - usually to purchase equipment or make a repair - raise property taxes for one year; debt exclusions for larger expenditures, typically five to 10 years, but can be as long as 20 years for larger projects; and overrides that permanently raise taxes.
With health insurance, special education, and other costs increasing at a rate unmatched by state aid, 11 communities in the northern suburbs have scheduled tax-increase votes. Will voters already feeling the squeeze in their cost of living say yes? The elections scheduled this month and next will tell.
Beverly
$2,500,000What: Override to cover most of $2.5 million shortfall in school budget. Officials have warned 61 employees could be laid off and two elementary schools closed if the override fails.
When: June 3 special election
If the override passes: $152 would be added to the annual tax bill for a median single-family home valued at $369,850.
History: This is the city's first override vote.
Pro: "It allows us to minimize the cuts and provides an opportunity to create a sustainable plan for the future of our kids, our families, and our community." - Joan Sullivan, chairwoman of Yes for Beverly!
Con: "The city, if it was more responsible with our money, could afford anything they needed. But they're not responsible with our money and we need to say no and make them more responsible." - Elliott Margolis, founder of Taxpayers for Fiscal Responsibility
STEVEN ROSENBERG
Ipswich
$1,491,000What: Override for schools' operating budget, which is facing a near $1 million deficit that could lead to layoffs, and funding to restore some programs
When: May 13 Town Meeting; May 20 special election
If the override passes: $285 would be added to the annual tax bill for a median single-family home valued at $515,732.
History: With the exception of a $31.3 million debt exclusion for a new high school-middle school building in 1999, the town has not supported any school-related overrides; the latest ($975,000) failed in 2005.
Pro: "Our schools are part of what makes Ipswich a special place to live, but they now face a financial crisis that threatens their future. When citizens have all of the facts and understand the negative impact for future generations, we believe they will vote 'yes' in support of the override." - Jeff Blizard, cochair, Turn The Tide
Con: "Year after year, they give out raises to teachers and administrators that they don't have the money for. Then they call it a structural deficit and go to the taxpayers with a story that there's no money for computers and they threaten layoffs. They create the mess themselves, year after year." - Dick Dunn, override critic
DAVID RATTIGAN
Winthrop
$1,550,453What: $996,361 override would cover a portion of a $1.196 million projected school deficit for FY 2009; the rest is public works, the police department, maintaining two engines at the Shirley Street fire station, and hiring a planning/community development/grants director.
When: June 10 special election
If the override passes: About $266 would be added to the annual tax bill for a median single-family home valued at $371,900.
History: Voters rejected the last three overrides, one in 2003 and two in 2004.
Pro: "It's a shame that people look for reasons to say 'no.' 'Why do we need a grant writer?' or 'I don't want to give that person a raise.' Put that pettiness aside and look at the bigger picture. If my own income had increased by 2.5 percent in the past 10 years, would I be able to keep my car, my house, and feed my kids? No." - Martin O'Brien, former selectman
Con: "For the town to hit us with an override is really an insult because the council voted in the past year for a 25 percent increase on our water rates. . . . They just have to stop. Enough is enough." - Alex Mavrakos, chairman and founder of Citizens for Fair and Balanced Government
KATHELEEN CONTI
Georgetown
$414,000What: $91,000 override to fund firefighters and a chief for the Fire Department. Five capital exclusions: $45,000 for two school vans; $43,000 for two copiers for schools; $60,000 for security upgrades at the middle-high school; $50,000 for repairs to the roof at the old highway garage; $125,000 to repair or replace the roof at the Public Safety Building.
When: May 5 Town Meeting; May 15 election.
If the override and all exclusions pass: $125 would be added to the annual tax bill for a median single-family home valued at $413,000; the Fire Department permanent override adds $27 per year.
Groveland
$172,340What: Override to fund an extension of the town's multiyear road management plan.
When: Approved at April 28 Town Meeting; on ballot of May 5 election
If the override passes: $48 would be added to the annual tax bill for a median single-family home valued at $398,500.
Tidbit: The FY 2009 budget is lower than FY 2008, which means that without the override, tax bills should go down.
Hamilton
$1,465,766What: Two overrides: $1,288,322 for the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District; $177,444 for the town's operating budget.
When: May 5 Town Meeting; May 15 election
If the overrides pass: $487 would be added to the annual tax bill for a median single-family home valued at $450,800.
Marblehead
$21,300,000What: Three debt exclusions: $19.6 million to pay for the overhaul of the Village School; $395,000 for a feasibility study and project manager related to the proposed construction of a new elementary school to replace the Eveleth and Glover schools; and $1.3 million proposed by citizen petition to purchase a 2.2-acre wooded parcel off Long View Drive West.
When: May 5 Town Meeting; special election in June.
If the exclusions pass: $166.41 would be added to the annual tax bill for a median single-family home valued at $541,190.
Tidbit: The state's School Building Authority would reimburse the town for 40 percent of the Glover-Eveleth study costs.
Rockport
$2,735,000What: Five-year debt exclusion for most items (educational technology, five school buses, town computer systems, fire truck, and firefighter breathing apparatus); 20 years for school roof repairs, which will cost $1.5 million.
When: The exclusion was approved at Town Meeting, and must pass at May 6 town election.
If the exclusion passes: $108 would be added to the annual tax bill for the owner of a median single-family home valued at $469,000, starting in FY 2010 when bonds are issued for the projects and purchases.
Tidbit: The town is retiring debt in FY 2009, and property tax bills are expected to drop by an average of $145 per household.
Rowley
$450,000What: Debt exclusion to buy a $450,000 pumper truck for the Fire Department.
When: May 13 election; May 19 Town Meeting.
If the exclusion passes: $44.72 would be added to the annual property tax bill of a median single-family home valued at $406,600.
Swampscott
$450,000What: Two capital exclusions: $300,000 to buy a fire engine and $150,000 for road repairs.
When: May 5 Town Meeting; special election before Sept. 15.
If the exclusions pass: $69 would be added to the annual property tax bill of a median single-family home valued at $427,300.
Wenham
$754,267What: $601,267 override for the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District; $153,000 one-year capital exclusion to buy equipment for various town departments.
When: May 3 Town Meeting; May 15 special election.
If the override and exclusion pass: $582 would be added to the annual tax bill for a median single-family home valued at $544,200.
*The median is the midpoint of the value of all single-family home values.
SOURCES Cities and towns
Compiled by David Cogger, John Laidler, and David Rattigan
© Copyright 2008 Globe Newspaper Company.
