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In 2024, the Yes campaign spent approximately $18,000, while the No campaign only spent approximately $1,800. More money does not always lead to a better outcome.
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Debt exclusions are used to fund specific projects, while an override is a permanent, compounding increase above the 2.5% increase that the city is already raising our taxes. This increase is charged yearly with no end date. Overrides are not popular: Between 1990 and 2024, Massachusetts municipalities filed approximately 1,899 general override measures, of which 303 passed.
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There can be other ways cities and towns are allowed to increase taxes: by raising taxes 2.5% plus new growth (property owners paying more as a result of additions/new construction to their properties, renovations, or other property improvements). In addition, properties are reassessed every 3 years, so if the value goes up, more tax money can be collected by the city.
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Melrose has always voted “Yes” on debt exclusions, since voters have been willing to support specific projects. However, citizens are not so quick to agree to an override. Not only does the city have a history of going back on its word on what the override money will be used for, but they even lost $2.2 million dollars, explaining it away as “an accounting error.” The mayor ran on a promise that she would ask for regular overrides, but overrides are not meant to be a means for balancing a budget.
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The per pupil spending in Melrose has always been lower compared to other districts. Despite this, Melrose has ranked at the top of public schools in the state of Massachusetts.
WHY? Because our spending doesn’t need to cover spending on busing or large ESL population.
Melrose Proposition 2½ and Override Ballot History (1990–2025)
| Year | Type | Purpose | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Override | General operating override | Failed |
| 1992 | Override | $3 million for city and school operations | Passed |
| 2003 | Override | General operating override | Failed |
| 2003 | Debt Exclusion | Construction of a new middle school | Passed |
| 2015 | Override | $2.25 million for schools and city services | Failed |
| 2019 | Override | $5.18 million to maintain level services (FY2020) | Passed |
| 2023 | Debt Exclusion | Public safety buildings: 3 fire & 1 police station renovations ($95M–$130M) | Passed |
| 2024 | Override | $7.7 million for school and city services (FY2025) | Failed |
How does a Pyramid Ballot question work?
It’s not the vote with the highest percentage but any winning one with the highest dollar amount.
That’s why you need everyone you know to Vote NO, NO, and No.
Talk to your family, friends, and Neighbors.
Spread the word to everyone in Melrose.
Let them know that Chapter 70 funding is up by over 50%.
Let them know that Chapter 90 funding is up by over 40%.
That the city operating budget has increased by 36%.
That free cash is continuing to increase, at almost 6 million this year.