Proponents of two proposed Proposition 2-1/2 overrides totaling $2.5 million dollars point out that Hadley’s $11.63 per thousand tax rate is the lowest of all municipalities in Hampshire County. While this may be true a low tax rate does not necessarily translate into low taxes. A tax rate is simply a function of the assessed values and Hadley’s values rank number five of the 20 municipalities in Hampshire county. So of course that will result in a low tax rate.
The real and meaningful measure of a tax burden on an individual is the average single-family residential tax bill. In Hadley, the average single-family residential tax bill is $5,279 which places us 12th in Hampshire County. In other words, we do not have the lowest average tax bill in the county as there are eight other municipalities that are lower than Hadley. If the proposed overrides of $2.5 million dollars were to pass that would increase our tax bills by over 18% in the next fiscal year when you include the 2-1/2% increase that is allowed for under Proposition 2-1/2. This increase would vault us up from the 12th highest taxes to the sixth highest tax burden in Hampshire County resulting in 14 municipalities having lower taxes than Hadley.
All of a sudden that low tax rate doesn’t look so good for us Hadley taxpayers. One final thought, a Proposition 2-1/2 override is not a one-year event. It is permanent, as it is added to and becomes a part of the tax levy forever. It is hoped this information will help to guide you in your decision-making process on Sept. 29 when the Proposition 2-1/2 overrides will be on the election ballot.
Paul Mokrzecki
Hadley