It's Ok To Vote No

The “Welcome to Melrose” sign beckons to residents and visitors, and we should be proud to live in such a great community. The new Melrose magnet seen on cars, with a heart integrated into an arrow also symbolizes a cohesive community – “One Community Open to All.” Please remember that its okay to disagree with your neighbor about the proposed proposition 2.5% tax override! This is an important vote and your vote matters! A “yes” vote will remove the cap, allowing an 11.2% increase for the next tax year – an increase that will remain forever. A “no” vote protects you, the homeowner, and ensures that taxes CANNOT increase by more than 2.5% each year. If you are thinking of a “no” vote, you are not alone! There are many residents who are worried about their future if the “yes” votes win.

The Melrose Taxpayers’ Alliance is also worried about this Melrose override, and the ability of both new and longtime residents to continue to live here if the 2.5% property tax increase cap is removed. This 2.5% increase limit has served Melrose well for 38 years, since it was voted into law back on November 4, 1980. For the past 38 years, our tax increases have been kept in check, and the current, reasonable, tax levels may have actually attracted many new homeowners to Melrose. In addition to providing some peace of mind to taxpayers, in terms of tax increases, the 2.5% cap requires that city officials make good decisions each year about spending, and operate within their budget limits. Bottom line is Proposition 2.5% CAPS the taxes AND the spending. Do we REALLY want to remove this cap?

You can learn more in the coming weeks. The Melrose Taxpayers’ Alliance will be educating you with accurate, factual information to help you make the right choice in the April 2nd election. This is an important vote, so be sure and make your decision based on facts, not fiction! Visit Our new Melrose Taxpayers’ Alliance website: www.melrosetaxpayers.com and follow us on Facebook to learn more https://www.facebook.com/melrosetaxpayers/

We will be working hard to reach out to all of our neighbors. If you have questions or would like to get more involved, please email us at MelroseTaxpayers@gmail.com.