NORTHAMPTON — As the March 3 override ballot question looms, here’s a look at past Proposition 2½ override votes in the city since 1988 and how they fared. These are for general overrides, not debt exclusion overrides that increase property taxes for a set number of years for capital projects such as new buildings.
1988 — PASSED
Mayor David B. Musante asked voters to approve a $650,000 override.
Residents voted “yes,” narrowly passing the override by 1.4%, or 78 votes.
1992 — FAILED
Mayor Mary Ford asked voters to approve a $1.28 million override.
Residents voted “no,” with 57% voting against the measure to 43% voting “yes.”
2004 — FAILED
Mayor Clare Higgins asked voters to approve a $1.7 million override.
Residents voted “no” by just an eight-vote margin, or about 0.1%.
2009 — PASSED
Mayor Clare Higgins asked voters to approve a $2 million override.
Residents voted “yes” with 59% voting “yes” and 41% voting “no.”
2013 — PASSED
Mayor David Narkewicz asked voters to approve a $2.5 million override.
Residents approved the override with 57% voting “yes” and 43% “no.