The Melrose Messenger

City Council Approves June 18th Override Vote

On Monday night, the city council unanimously approved the mayor’s proposal that a citywide vote be held on June 18th to approve or reject a $7.7 million Proposition 2½ override measure.

This is the culmination of several weeks of discussion of the override measure. Discussion began in school committee budget discussions, after it became clear that the city would not be able to fund the superintendent’s need-based budget, or even maintain level services due to rising costs within the school budget. Last week, the mayor discussed the cuts that would be felt on the city side, and formally asked the city council to vote on the measure.

In last Thursday’s Appropriations and Oversight Committee meeting, members of the city council expressed their support for the measure. Councilor Ward Hamilton praised the override vote for representing “democracy at its essence” and allowing all Melrose voters to weigh in the budget process. Several other councilors expressed their concerns about cuts in both the school budget and on the city side.

Councilor Robb Stewart, while supportive of the vote, expressed his concern for residents who might struggle to afford the tax increase. In response, the mayor shared several ways in which residents, including seniors and veterans, can receive a reduction in or deferral of part of their property taxes.

In Monday night’s meeting, the city council voted to approve one day of early voting, on June 8th, which is also the last day residents can register to vote in the special election. Early voting by mail and absentee voting will also be available.

Posted May 16th, 2024