Malden Voters To Decide On First-ever Tax Override In Special Election

MALDEN, MA — The City Council voted unanimously to approve the placement of a Prop 2 1/2 tax override request on a special election ballot for voters to decide during its most recent meeting.

The proposition was brought forth to the council by Mayor Gary Christenson and the Finance Committee, marking the first time in Malden’s history that a tax override of this nature has ever been approved to even be put on a ballot for the community to decide.

In addition to voting against the override entirely, voters will be given two amount options to choose from of either $5.4 million or $8.2 million.

“This is something that should have been considered several years ago as a variety of factors continue to put strain on Malden far greater than any other community,” Christenson said to the council. “The alternative of cutting our way to a balanced budget will no doubt leave this community a less desirable place to live and raise a family.”

Christenson cited the state requirement to dedicate more funds to the school district instead of any other field.

According to the Finance Committee’s presentation, the lack of an override will result in the layoff of approximately 60 staff positions throughout the city. The $5.4 million is only expected to cause approximately 20 layoffs, while the $8.2 million option will not cause any cuts to city services or layoffs. The average annual cost to a Malden household is estimated to go up by $353 and $532 respectively.

“What an override is that it permanently raises the amount so that it becomes a part of that 2.5 percent calculation going forward,” City Council At Large Carey McDonald said.

Ward 4 Councilor Ryan O’ Malley argued that the city should have used its free cash on closing the budget last year much like this year instead of capital projects, which would have possibly put the city in a better financial status at present. However, Christenson responded by saying those funds are not intended to help the capital budget and are only now being used due to the city’s financial challenges.

“What you identified in 2024 is exactly what they are supposed to be used for, not to sustain an operating budget… if you thought we had it wrong councilor, you could have brought it to your colleagues but you didn’t,” Christenson said in response to O’Malley’s criticism.

With the vote passing, the question will now appear on the ballot in a special election scheduled for March 31, 2026.

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