NEW: This story has been updated with new information from the Marblehead Liberty Foundation. See below.
A three-year, three-tiered general override — ranging from $9 million to $15 million — will be on Marblehead’s election ballot June 9, after Town Meeting overwhelmingly approved advancing the measure Monday night. The vote was 1,227 in favor, 159 opposed. If it passes in June, it will be the first general (permanent) property tax override approved in Marblehead in more than 20 years.
Town Meeting completed its warrant agenda in just about 3 1/2 hours, negating the need for a second night.
Voters also approved a $123 million fiscal 2027 budget with deep cuts to the schools, library, Council on Aging and more due to a $7.7 million deficit.
The override tiers are meant to give voters a choice of whether they want to partially restore cuts, build some town programs and invest in capital projects. See the options below:
Select Board Chair Dan Fox explained what the general override will look like on the ballot. Acknowledging that the tiers can be confusing, he promised that town leaders will work hard over the next several weeks to educate voters.
Here’s a look at the tax impact on the owners of median-priced home in town.
There is also a separate $2.3 million override to restore trash expenses to the budget, instead of charging residents annual fees.
For Marblehead
Supporters praised Town Meeting’s decision to advance the general override to a townwide vote.
“The vote was definitive and Town Meeting put the power to determine Marblehead’s future in the hands of the voters,” said Matt Hooks, co-chair of the citizens group For Marblehead. “We now have a chance to provide the funding that is necessary to create a vibrant future for our community.
Special town meeting?
The Marblehead Liberty Foundation, registered as a charity with the state Attorney General’s Office, is moving forward with its push for a special town meeting. Member Jack Buba told the Current in an email, MLF’s effort to collect signatures is “nearing completion.”
“We look forward to submitting these signatures as part of an effort to provide the residents of Marblehead with additional options for moving forward constructively in response to the current budget challenges facing the town,” Buba said.
In a recent press release, MLF wrote that it “believes that there are reasonable alternatives to the severe options currently under consideration for Marblehead taxpayers; punishing cuts to services or a $9-$15 million override forever.”
The focus of its proposed special town meeting would be to “Fix it First,” according to MLF. The Foundation proposes approving only enough funding so the town can function for another year (while keeping the library open and blocking cuts to the COA) while town leaders work on fundamentally changing how the town operates.
“This means considering efficiencies such as: consolidation, reviewing employee benefits, outsourcing and privatization, among other options,” the press release reads.
Asked how MLF would fund town government for the one year, it answered, “It is anticipated that the town could use free cash for these items for one year. The town has used free cash for the last 15 or so years, so one more year for these few important items to tide us over will not break the bank.”
3A resolved
Also at Town Meeting, voters approved a new multifamily zoning plan (including Broughton Road and Tedesco Country Club) that will bring Marblehead into compliance with the MBTA Communities Act. This has been a contentious issue for more than three years and appears to finally be resolved.
A few residents stood to complain that Marblehead’s 3A plan is merely paper compliance because it is highly unlikely that Tedesco Country Club will sell its land.
Resident Nick Ward criticizes the MBTA Communities Act compliance plan, calling it a “gimmick.” He noted that creating a plan that all but ensures no additional development takes off the table one of the main ways to increase the town’s tax base.
Resident John DiPiano, who led opposition to the previous compliance plan, did not speak during the debate. DiPiano previously told the Current that he was unlikely to seek another referendum.
Town Meeting wrapped up with a rousing presentation by residents Kate Borten and Lynn Nadeau, dressed in colonial garb, promoting their citizens petition reaffirming Marblehead’s commitment to the Constitution. The measure passed.
Check out the Current‘s vote tracker HERE and our Town Meeting blog HERE.
