Date Set For Braintree Debt Exclusion Election

BRAINTREE, MA — The Town Council voted unanimously to schedule a special election on Sept. 26 on whether residents will approve a $63 million debt exclusion to pay for a new South Middle School and other school improvement projects.

The election was originally scheduled for March 28 but had to be postponed amid the coronavirus pandemic. Town officials were able to get a court order to move the election until as late as Sept. 30.

Mayor Charles Kokoros said the debt exclusion would cost the average homeowner an additional $191 in property taxes per year, but that amount would decrease after five years.

The mayor broke 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

Residents not registered to vote will have until 10 days before the election to register. Applications to vote via absentee ballot will be accepted by the town clerk until noon the day before the election. Anyone who has already filled out an absentee ballot will still have their vote counted. If you would rather vote in person, that is also possible as long as your absentee vote was not already counted.

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