operating and capital expenses. For example, override funds could be used for things like educating students, paving roads, making park improvements, or building a new school or fire station. Across all City departments, inflation rates for costs have repeatedly exceeded 2.5% per year. Personnel costs, health cares, supplies and materials, construction, software, transportation, are all examples of cost centers which have historically risen at a rate far greater than 2.5% In Newton’s case, an operating override has been requested on a few occasions over the past three decades. Approval of an override results in the permanent increase in the tax structure. Below is a summary of the overrides and their outcome. How Often does Newton pass overrides? Since Proposition 2 1/2 became law in 1980, Newton has passed just 3 overrides in 2002 (one operating question) and 2013 (two debt exclusion questions and one operating question), and 2023 (two Debt Exclusion questions). How does Newton compare with other communities on overrides? Peer communities have levied more taxes through overrides. According to the Department of Local Services, since 1990, 301 Massachusetts communities have passed 1,801 overrides. This means that the average community has passed 3 times as many overrides as Newton. Looking at a few of our neighboring communities, since 2000 there have been 5 years in which Brookline has passed overrides, 9 years for Lexington, 11 years for Needham, and 14 years for Wellesley.
Operating Budget Override History for the City of Newton:
Year Override Attempts $$
2023
$9.2M; Operating Failed $5.8M; Debt Exclusion Passed
2013
$8.4M; Operating Passed $3 M Debt Exclusion Passed
2008
$12M: Debt Failed
2002
$11.5M; Operating Passed
In 2002 voters approved an override of $11.5 million. In 2013 they approved an override of $8.4 million which included funds for the new Zervas, Angier, and Cabot Elementary School buildings, and the Fire Headquarters and Fire Station 3 buildings. It also included funding for street paving and police personnel, cruisers, and equipment.
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