Melrose Override Question Being Prepared; Mayor Details Input

MELROSE, MA — Mayor Gail Infurna detailed what she understood to be points of interest and concernahead of a potential Proposition 2 ½ override measure on the ballot next year. In a blog post, Infurna said that over two citywide listening sessions, more than 1,000 questionnaires, and other feedback, "several messages came through loud and clear."

Infurna said she is in the process of preparing the question and sending it to the Board of Alderman by early November. If the Board approves the question, it will be on the spring ballot.

Infurna said when the question if formulated, the city will "lay out clearly what the money will be used for."

The following were specified as community input on the mayor's blog:

• You want clarity about how the override monies will be used, including a long-term plan;
• You want to know that we have done all we can to streamline city government;
• Support for our schools is strong across the city—including among senior citizens and other residents who do not have children currently attending our schools;
• Many of you, including parents who have children in the schools, are concerned about making sure your neighbors can continue to afford to live in Melrose;
• You are concerned about teacher pay and that our current salary structure for teachers does not give them enough incentive to stay in Melrose;
• You want to know what will happen if the override does not pass;
• You asked that all the information we have posted so far be gathered on one web page, and we have done that: https://mayorinfurna.wordpress.com/budget-and-override-information/

Community members with input are encouraged to e-mail Infurna at mayorsoffice@cityofmelrose.org or call 781-979-4440.

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Photo by Mike Carraggi, Patch