Why Acton Needs an Override
In Massachusetts, towns and cities cannot raise property taxes more than 2.5 percent (plus new growth, which works out to about 3 percent) without the consent of the voters. Because many expenses grow beyond 3 percent each year, our system is designed to require municipalities to periodically seek the approval of voters for an “override” of the tax levy limit to pay for vital services. While Acton has managed to avoid an override for almost 20 years, unexpected costs and high inflation have led to a budget deficit that threatens town services and Acton-Boxborough’s renowned public school system. We need an override to invest in our community and support our students and families.
Together for Acton
The challenges facing our town and school district affect us all. People from all walks of life come to Acton not just for the education of their own children, but also for what a strong school system brings with it: parks and open spaces, arts and culture, and of course robust property values. This spring, Acton will face the most consequential vote in a generation, and we need to stand together for our schools and our community.
What Happened? Why Now?
While Acton’s Health Insurance Trust (HIT) has been a good value for taxpayers and employees for decades, large spikes in the cost of providing health insurance to town and district employees led to a significant shortfall this year affecting both the town and school budgets. Inflation and increases to the cost of providing special education services have also contributed to the town and district’s budget deficit. Without an override this spring, our elected leaders will be forced to make painful cuts to staff and services that will impact Acton for many years to come.
Is an Override the Only Solution?
All of us are concerned about taxes in Acton, but without an override, we’ll lose important town services and do irreparable harm to our school district. Even with an override, the town and school budgets will be reduced from their current levels next year. The Acton-Boxborough Regional School District is already planning to do more with less for a third year in a row. Our elected officials have already made difficult spending decisions. Our community has made it two decades without asking the taxpayers for an override, but now is the time for us to come together and invest in Acton’s future.
Vote “Yes” on April 30 and Again on May 6
On Tuesday, April 30, the town of Acton will hold a municipal election with a ballot question about the override. We need to vote “yes” on election day, but we still need to attend Town Meeting the following Monday night, May 6, to approve the town and school district’s budgets. These two “yes” votes will preserve vital town services and ensure that our school district can continue to provide the support our students and teachers need.
Let’s Shape Our Future Together, for Acton
If you believe in preserving town services and funding a strong public school system, please join our movement. Donate to our campaign, volunteer your time, and help spread the word about the override we need for the community we all love. Let’s make a difference for our town, our schools, and each other!
Now that we've won the fight for school and community funding at the ballot AND at two different town meetings, we at Together for Acton want to take a moment to thank all of you for your engagement and support throughout this process. We're especially grateful for everyone who was out in the community with us holding signs, attending house parties, handing out flyers, knocking on doors, providing childcare, and making phone calls to support our schools and our town.
As we wind down our campaign, all of us here in Acton and Boxborough should be proud of what we've accomplished TOGETHER!