Letter to the Editor urging Vote No on Question #2....

Dear Editor,

I am writing to suggest that Medfield voters vote NO on Question 2, the proposed override for the 2018-2019 school budget.

By most any measure, Medfield schools are rated as excellent, a tribute to the teachers and staff, students and the town in general. Medfield schools, which account for approximately 55% of the town’s total budget, have been well supported by the voters.

Over the past three years, there have been school budget increases of 4.4%, 4.0% and 4.6%. Now the town is being asked to support an increase of nearly 6.2%, or just over $2.0M, which would bring the school budget for the coming year to $35M.

A 6.2%/$2.0M increase is DOUBLE what was identified in the Warrant Report as a 3.0% / $1.0M increase to achieve a balanced budget. Given all the other needs in town in the coming years, a 3.0% budget increase for a highly successful school system should be sufficient.

There is a flyer circulating about town that is urging a Yes vote on Question #2, but contains a statement that can be easily misinterpreted. The flyer states that If Question #2 doesn’t pass, “This will mean over $1,000,000 in cuts to our schools.” No, the rejection of Question #2 means an increase in the schools budget from this year’s $33M to $34M. That’s a $1M increase.

Medfield taxpayers have endured some heavy burdens over the past five years. From 2013 to 2018, real estate taxes have typically increased by 30%, and that is without any Prop 2 ½ overrides. The five previous years, 2008-2013, taxes rose approximately 14%.

Passage on Monday of all five questions will mean a tax increase of nearly 10%, in a single year. Question #2 alone accounts for more than half of that increase. I would urge voters to consider opting for a balanced budget approach of a 3.0% / $1.0M increase and vote NO on Question #2.

Lee Tredway

14 Kenney Road