Why do we need a tax override?

Chelmsford's revenue has been inadequate for many years, due to Chapter 70 funding and Proposition 2 1/2. The stabilization fund established by the town was at $7.9 million in 2002 and today is down to $1.6 million.

Chapter 70 funding for schools was drastically cut by the legislature and then restored unfairly, leaving Chelmsford millions of dollars below its targeted funding level.

Proposition 2 1/2 constrains the growth of existing property tax revenue to no more than 2.5% a year. Prop 2 1/2 sounded like a good idea when it was adopted back in 1980 by ballot initiative, but in the 27 years since 1980, the annual rate of inflation (as measured by the change in the annual CPI, data here) has stayed below 2.5% only six times, resulting in cuts to the town's revenue when adjusted for inflation.

At a recent joint meeting of the School Board, Finance Committee, and Board of Selectmen, it was unanimously agreed that Chelmsford needed additional money to maintain a level-service budget and that the override should be put before the voters.

What's at stake?

The override provides level funding for existing services. Without the override, some of the most dramatic cuts will be:

• Closure of the south fire station and increased response times to emergency calls
• Closure of Westlands elementary school and larger class sizes at all grade levels
• Hundreds of dollars in new school busing, sports and activity fees
  
• Police layoffs, reducing narcotics investigations and patrols
• Reductions on the Council of Aging, including respite for caregivers
• Reduced hours and staffing for the library
• Our property values
  

What will it cost?

For the median home (valued at $374K), this will increase taxes by $200/year, or $17/month.

Several selectmen have said that if this override passes, they will not seek another next year. The school committee also unanimously passed a resolution that if this override passes they will not ask for another next year. Next year town employee contracts will be renegotiated, there are more consolidation options, and there is the opportunity to save everyone money by moving employees to a state health insurance program (GIC).

Chelmsford's schools are already among the leanest in the state in terms of administrative and instructional leadership costs. They're below the state average costs per pupil in 10 out of 11 categories (the 11th category is payments to out-of-district schools).

Please vote for the override on April 1st.

(And make sure your spouse and neighbors do too.)

If you would like to learn more, or join OneChelmsford's effort to pass the level services override, click here

Resources

The Town Manager's office has a number of relevant documents available online.

Chelmsford Public School Website

This document is a little dated, but still an excellent primer on the history and effects of Chapter 70 aid to Chelmsford.

The Initiative for Local Aid was established several years ago by Chelmsford residents. They've led the fight to get Chelmsford the Chapter 70 aid that we deserve. Check out the website to find out what is being done now.