Sudbury Property Tax Overrides Over Schools Shortfall, Fire Truck

SUDBURY, MA — Sudbury voters will be asked to approve two property tax overrides during the town election in March, including one needed to stave off Sudbury Public Schools cuts.

On Thursday, the Sudbury Select Board voted in a special meeting to place the two Proposition 2-½ overrides on the ballot. If both are approved, the override could cost up to $270 per year for residents who own an average priced home of about $957,000.

The Sudbury Public Schools override would raise about $745,000, which is the amount the district needs above what the Sudbury town manager recommended for the schools budget for fiscal year 2024. If the override is not approved, the school district may have to cut some transportation services, but also increase middle and elementary school class sizes. Classes in grades 3 to 8 could increase from 24 students on average to 28.

The budget shortfall is the result of a 25 percent increase in transportation costs — about $275,000 — and a $300,000 jump in utility costs, according to the district.

The school district override would add about 12 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value on tax bills.

The second tax override would raise about $1 million to buy a new fire engine for the town. The cost of the vehicle would add about 16 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value on tax bills. The owner of an average priced home valued at $957,000 would pay about $155 more per year.

Each override question will be on the March 27 town election ballot. The town is accepting submissions for arguments either for or against each override until Wednesday.

The school district override would be permanent, but the fire department override would only exist for fiscal year 2024, which begins on July 1. Both overrides will be subject to Sudbury Town Meeting votes in May.

What is a Prop 2-1/2 override?

Check out this video from the state Division of Local Services explaining the override issue broadly.