Here's The Town's Piece Of Reading Override Request

Reading and Town Manager Bob LeLacheur have released the breakdown of the town's portion of the $4.15 million override. Earlier in the week the School Committee approved the specifics of the school request. As the budget dust settles, the tax increase for the average Reading home ($559,800) has been revised down to $488.

When LeLacheur first presented his override budget it included 30 requests in the originally discussed total of $4.8 million. With the override trimmed to $4.15 million, the town portion went from about $1.5 million to $1.2 million and 21 of the 30 requests made the final cut.

The bulk of the money went to public safety with the addition of five police officers and four firefighters/paramedics for a total at $845,500. In total, 12.25 fulltime employees (FTEs) will be added to the payroll if the override passes. Nine would be for the police and fire department hires, one for a software coordinator, one for an assistant town accountant, a .5 FTE for support staff, and a .75 FTE for Sunday hours and staff at the library. Numbers less than one reflect an increase in hours for departments like Public Works and the library. In addition, the override would fund new technology equipment.

If you don't have an average home, according to the town a home assessed for $400,000 would see a tax increase of $349 while a $700,000 home would pay an additional $610. The town is working on compiling all the override information on its website.

All that's left now for FY19 is the Finance Committee approval on Thursday. As for the override question, it's up to the voters now.