Copyright The Boston Globe
After years of budget cuts, Melrose voters passed a $13.5 million ballot question Tuesday to raise property taxes for its schools and other city agencies, according to unofficial city results. The funding level appears to be the largest approved by any Massachusetts community in at least 35 years under a state law that limits property tax increases to no more than 2.5 percent a year — unless municipalities receive voter approval for more — according to a Globe review of state data. Previously, Brookline held the record with a nearly $12 million override approved in 2023. The amount of the override reflects the ongoing struggles of cities and towns across Massachusetts as local officials grapple with inflation and rising costs for utilities, health insurance, pensions, special education, and other items. Advertisement Over the last three years, the number of votes to raise property taxes over the state limit, established in the 1980s under Proposition 2½, has increased sharply, with more than 170 override votes held across Massachusetts, according to state data. Another big vote is coming up in Stoneham on Dec. 9, with voters choosing between two override amounts: $9.3 million and $12.5 million. Melrose Mayor Jennifer Grigoraitis said she was grateful and proud that voters approved the override. “With this additional revenue, we can stabilize our city finances for years to come, substantially restoring essential city and school services and positions and investing in additional infrastructure,” Grigoraitis said in a statement. The override revenue will fund salaries and benefits for 17 positions in the schools, five positions in public works, and two police officers. The money also will support school technology and curriculum needs; public works, senior center, veterans services, library programs, and repairs and maintenance to public roads, sidewalks, buildings, and parks. Advertisement The override will cause property tax bills to go up. For the average single-family home in Melrose, assessed at $817,630, the annual tax bill will increase by $1,374, according to city estimates released prior to the vote. Melrose voters were presented with three override options, ranging between $9.3 million and $13.5 million. All three questions passed, but under the structure of the ballot question, the largest dollar amount approved, regardless if it received the most votes or not, prevails. In the end the $13.5 million override amount obtained the smallest majority, with 6,018 voters in favor and 5,052 against, while the $9.3 million override amount secured the biggest majority, with 6,508 in favor and 4,555 against. James Vaznis can be reached at james.vaznis@globe.com. Follow him @globevaznis.
