Braintree Patch Readers Sound Off On Debt Exclusion

BRAINTREE, MA — On March 28, Braintree residents will hit the polls and decide whether to approve a $63 million debt exclusion to pay for a new South Middle School, a feasibility study on Braintree High School and several other school improvement projects.

In Massachusetts, cities and towns can't raise property taxes more than 2.5 percent without voter approval. A debt exclusion allows a community to raise money above the limit to take on debt for specific purposes. In this case, Braintree residents would foot the bill of additional property taxes for the next 30 years.

May Charles Kokoros down the money by project with the majority of the exclusion, $55.6 million, covering the construction of a new South Middle School. Other projects include:

• $5 million to replace roofs at five elementary schools
• $1.5 million for a feasibility study on redeveloping Braintree High School
• $1 million for school security improvements district-wide.

If a debt exclusion is approved, property taxes will increase, but the increases will decrease gradually over the life of the loan. Here's a breakdown of the average tax increases:

• Years 1-5: $190.99
• Years 6-10: $175.91
• Years 11-20: 170.88
• Years 20-30: $150.78

Patch asked readers on Neighbor Post how they plan to vote on the debt exclusion and got vary answers from both sides. Resident Bill Casey said he's in favor of the debt exclusion because he believes infrastructure improvement will make Braintree better.

"I understand that a large portion of these funds will be used to build a new South Junior High School. Braintree will have two Junior High Schools, East and South, rebuilt and improved," Casey said. "My contribution will be roughly $180 per year, seems like a very reasonable contribution to gain an upgraded building that will serve our community for many years to come. Investing in your home, community, and children always pays positive dividends."

"If you want intelligent students coming out of Braintree schools, then you must give them the right environment," Jim Dugan, another supporter of the debt exclusion told Patch.

Others were worried about how much money the town would be spending, like Jerry Calahan.

"I am most definitely against," Calahan said. "If [former Mayor]Joe Sullivan could take care of East Junior without emptying our wallets, then why can't Mayor Kokoros figure it out? This town is spending money faster than it can get it's hands on it, enough is enough!"

Another Braintree resident told Patch they would rather see the building be maintained instead of replaced.

"I think the problem is the proper maintenance has not been done to the buildings ... ," one reader wrote. "We have a new mayor, a chance for a brighter future. Let's try to stop being wasteful,take care of what we have and show respect to the taxpayers."

Got an opinion on the proposed debt exclusion? Send a letter to the editor to jimmy.bentley@patch.com

More on the Braintree Debt Exclusion:

• Braintree May Lose Millions For New School Without Debt Exclusion
• How Much Will The Braintree Debt Exclusion Cost You In Taxes?
• Opinion: Vote Yes For Braintree Debt Exclusion
• Braintree Debt Exclusion To Cost $63 Million Over 30 Years: Mayor
• Mayor Calls For Debt Exclusion To Pay For New South Middle School