On Sept. 1, South Hadley voters will go to the polls to vote on a third override proposal. I believe that many voters think that this override is only for three years to cover the deficit, but it is not! The proposed override is called an “operating override” and does not expire! This override, if approved, will permanently increase the base tax levy limit to fund recurring operational costs like schools, libraries and police beyond the three-year period.
It’s interesting that one doesn’t hear town officials talking about this part of the override proposal. This is not like a debt-exclusion which is a temporary tax increase to directly pay off a specific project like the Mosier School. Taxpayers will be on the hook for 37% of the cost for that project. Get ready to dig into your pockets to pay off another 30-year bond. Once that specific debt is fully paid off, the extra tax levy drops off and ends.
In a recent email I received from Town Administrator Lisa Wong she states in part: “An override in this state is by definition and law a permanent increase unless voted on as an underride.” If this third override succeeds, it can only be reversed by an underride which must be placed on a local ballot and be approved by a majority of voters in a municipal referendum. These override requests by the town administrator and the Selectboard is reminiscent of the Community Preservation Act (CPA) which was shot down by voters three separate times! That vote was for adding a 1½% surcharge on property valued over $100,000. This goes far beyond that.
It is imperative that voters come out in force to defeat the latest $3.5 million override on Sept. 1. Primary elections typically have a low voter turnout but I urge all voters, especially seniors, to vote “no!” This is too big of an issue to sit home on the couch.
Michael J. Wozniak
South Hadley