Opposing the Melrose, MA Tax Override: Why Voting No Protects Residents

Protecting Homeowners from Unaffordable Tax Hikes

Voting No on the Melrose tax override means standing up for homeowners and residents who already face high living costs. The proposed overrides would increase property taxes by $948 to $1,374 per year for the average single-family home. These are significant new financial burdens, particularly for seniors, families living on fixed incomes, and working people whose salaries have not kept pace with inflation. Melrose recently rejected a $7.7 million override, with the majority of voters expressing concern about affordability.

Holding City Leadership Accountable for Fiscal Management

A "No" vote sends a clear message to City Hall: it’s time to prioritize responsible financial management instead of raising more revenue through tax increases. The override comes after years of city officials making hiring decisions and expanding obligations, yet Melrose’s spending has not always aligned with residents’ ability to pay. Taxpayers should be able to expect cost-saving strategies, proper budgeting, and efforts to identify waste or unnecessary expenses before being asked for more money.

Alternative Solutions Exist – Tax Hikes Aren’t the Only Answer

City officials contend that the override is the only option, but other communities have found creative ways to balance budgets, generate revenue, and streamline services without recurring overrides. Melrose leaders should exhaust all alternatives—such as seeking additional state aid, collaborating with neighboring communities to share services, reforming spending practices, or exploring new funding streams. Raising taxes should be the last step, not the first.

Tax Increases Are Unfair and Regressive

The override would disproportionately harm residents with lower or fixed incomes. Property taxes are a regressive form of taxation: as property values rise, taxes increase, even if people’s incomes do not. Melrose already depends on residential taxes, putting extra pressure on ordinary families rather than businesses or other sources. A "No" vote is a vote for fairness and for maintaining Melrose’s appeal for all residents—not just those who can afford higher taxes.

Preventing a Cycle of Endless Overrides

Since 1990, Melrose has passed multiple overrides and faces the prospect of continuing to ask voters for more money every few years. Saying "No" now can force city leaders to break this pattern, reform finances, and build a sustainable future without repeated taxpayer bailouts. This election empowers residents to demand lasting fiscal reform, not just temporary fixes that lead to more override votes.

Take Action

Protect your home, your finances, and Melrose’s future—vote No on all tax override questions this November. Let’s build a better Melrose through transparency, innovation, and responsible management, not higher taxes.