Braintree Votes Yes On $8M Tax Override In Special Election

BRAINTREE, MA — Voters in Braintree approved an increase to the town's tax levy, something officials said will be the start of a plan to right the current budget deficit by at least Fiscal Year 2028.

The successful yes vote cuts into the $18 million operating deficit for Fiscal Year 2025 by increasing the town's tax levy by $8 million.

The override includes funding for Braintree Public Schools ($4 million), public safety ($1.5 million), public works ($1 million) and would budget $1.5 million toward an override stabilization account.

This was the first tax override vote to pass in Braintree, and Mayor Erin Joyce said it do so at a mark of 67 percent of voters in favor.

"I am so humbled by our voter turnout today – on a beautiful summer day, with our farmers market bustling and baseball fields busy with playoff games – we came out to the polls together Braintree and we voted overwhelmingly YES!" Joyce said on a post to the town's Facebook page.

"Yes, for supporting our Schools. Yes, for supporting our Public Safety officials. Yes, for investing in our town buildings, parks and roadways by supporting our Department of Public Works."

This does mean property taxes are expected to rise in Braintree.

The average home value in Braintree sits around $660,000, meaning the override would be an increase of $454 annually. Tools to calculate the exact cost for individuals will be available in the days ahead, officials said.

"I absolutely do not take lightly any ask for a resident to have to contribute more - I understand the many financial challenges facing our young families, seniors on fixed incomes, and young adults just getting started in Braintree," Joyce said.

(For the tool to do the calculation yourself, click here.)