Campaigning For Affirmative Tax Override Vote Starts In Braintree

BRAINTREE, MA — Mayor Erin Joyce's election campaign was up front about the challenges facing whoever would step into the role this year: The budget is a problem.

Fast forward to now and the budget does, indeed, seem to be a problem.

In budget presentations to the Town Council, Joyce's administration found that the town faces an $18 million operating deficit for Fiscal Year 2025. That operating deficit could get much worse very soon, with projections from the mayor's office showing that, if the deficit continues growing at the rate it is now, the cumulative deficit would reach over $90 million by FY 2028.

As budget discussions have continued across multiple areas of town politics, it became clear that cuts to schools, police and fire would be necessary to try to rectify the gap, but it wouldn't fully solve the problem, officials said.

However, Joyce and staff have proposed an alternative they hope can work to address the problem more permanently: An increase to the tax levy.

Joyce and her administration are proposing an increase to the town's tax levy by $8 million.

"Combining spending cuts and planned cost controls across Town government with an override allows Braintree to get out of the hole we are in and on a path to fiscal stability through at least FY28," Joyce said.

"An override is necessary to add sustainable and reoccurring year-over-year revenue that boosts our tax base and fills the remaining gap in operating expenses."

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.

It would also eliminate the deficit by FY 2028, according to projections.

But it would come at a cost for residents, officials noted.

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.

A special election has been scheduled for June 15 to allow town residents to have a say in the matter.

However, there are already campaign events happening for those in support of an affirmative vote.

On Tuesday, a campaign kickoff for Vote Yes Braintree is scheduled at Widowmaker Brewing. Another event took place over the weekend in support of the campaign.

The idea has also garnered support from the Braintree Firefighters union, which said the override would greatly help the department.

"We are simply seeking an equitable distribution of additional revenue," officials said. "With such parity, we can maintain a level of staffing that best allows us to offer the highest level of services to our community."