ABOUT VOTE YES FOR NEWTON
Vote Yes for Newton supports the override to modernize Newton Public Schools, accelerate Newton’s sustainability measures, make roads and sidewalks safer, and support services for older residents.
The override includes three parts. Each part will be a separate question on the ballot.
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Debt exclusion for rebuilding and rehabilitating Countryside School.
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Debt exclusion for rebuilding and rehabilitating Franklin School.
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Operating override that bundles:
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Major improvements to the Horace Mann School and playground
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Support for educational excellence and students’ social/emotional needs
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Road and sidewalk improvements and traffic safety measures
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Upgrades to parks, athletic fields, courts, and playgrounds
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Expanding programs and services for older residents
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Accelerated street tree planting
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Electrification of the Newton Free Library and Peirce Elementary School
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Vote Yes for Newton is a ballot question committee calling on voters to vote yes on three override questions that would help modernize Newton’s aging school buildings, support educational excellence and student wellbeing, lower Newton’s carbon footprint, improve parks and playgrounds, repair streets and sidewalks, and expand services for older residents.
Vote Yes for Newton is co-chaired by Newton residents Christine Dutt and Kerry Prasad. The Treasurer is Kevin Spector.
What is a Proposition 2½ Override?
Proposition 2½, also known as the Massachusetts Local Property Tax Limitations Act, was passed by Massachusetts voters in 1980. The law limits the amount of money Newton can raise through property taxes by capping the annual increase of the tax levy by 2.5%. The “levy” is the amount of revenue that a community can raise through property taxes. Proposition 2½ bars a community from increasing the levy by more than 2.5% of the total value of all taxable property in that municipality. That is known as the “levy ceiling.” There are two types of overrides:
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General override, Proposition 2½ override, or operating override are different names for the same thing–a permanent increase to property taxes that can be used for both operating and capital expenses, such as paving roads, improving parks, or covering educational costs.
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Debt exclusion override is a temporary increase in the amount a community can levy in order to cover its annual debt service costs on borrowing. These funds are used for capital expenses such as a new or renovated school building. When the debt (i.e. loan) for the project is paid off, the additional yearly charge to each taxpayer ends.
Click here for more on operating and debt exclusion overrides.