Thoughts on the Override and Our Senior Citizens: Letter

People tell me they worry about the kids, and I appreciate that, because I have kids. But from my perspective, the outcome of the override and how this affects seniors on a fixed income is more important than our school children.

Once you are on a fixed income, there are not a lot of avenues to make adjustments.

When my mother-in-law was nearing 80 and still lived in her family home, she was on a fixed income and had to carefully consider her finances. She wanted to stay in her house as long as she could and I think all seniors should have that freedom. That said, she knew at some point, she might sell it and move to something easier to maintain. The most important asset she had to use for her next step was the value of the equity in her home.

Our city is legally required to spend a certain amount on our schools and right now we are 4% above that legal limit (29% is the state average). There is a growing population of children Melrose; as they enter the school system, the dollars needed naturally increases; more kids, more money required. If we fall below the legal limit, the state could withhold aid and even set our tax rate for us.

Some argue our city will not let that happen and will keep cutting city services to fund the growing school budget. Either way, the city will lose services or our schools will dip further down in quality and I believe both will drive our property values down.

For me, if property values go down, I don't intend to sell my house anytime soon, so I can wait it out. For seniors, they may not have that option and may need the equity in their home sooner. I think the property value concern is far more important to seniors than any other demographic.

Melrose has programs in place to help those on a fixed income. The city offers multiple tax reduction and deferral programs. For example, property taxes for Melrose residents age 60 and older can be reduced by $1,000 annually by serving as a volunteer in the city. Certain seniors in our city can completely defer all property taxes until they sell their home. The city also offers water, sewer, and trash discount opportunities.

The proposed cuts, which will occur if the override doesn't pass, will directly affect our seniors. The city will cut the Milano Center to 8am-1pm - no afternoon programs and the library will limit hours. Memorial Hall will be closed except for weekends and possibly unavailable for rental. Street and sidewalk repairs will be cut by 50%, street sweeping will end, and our contract for mental health counseling services will be axed. Melrose will be unable to support many community activities - cutting transportation options for seniors and will be forced to eliminate some events. And once these things are cut, they are VERY hard to reinstate; we’ve learned that firsthand in our schools.

I am ever so grateful for people watching out for my kids. I think we all need to pay it forward to look out for our senior citizens, too.

Maribeth Darwin