Weymouth Proposition 2 1/2 Override Fails

Like the last vote 25 years ago, Weymouth voters have said no to a Proposition 2 1/2 override.

With a turnout of 34.62 percent, 6,713 residents voted against the tax increase while 5,065 were in support.

“It’s disappointing because we were excited at the possibility of providing more services and bringing staffing back to 2008 levels. However, I absolutely respect the wishes of the voters and it certainly sent a message. We are going to provide the best services we can, I’ve been doing that for eight years and will continue to do so,” Mayor Susan Kay said after announcing the results.

If approved, the town would receive an extra $6.5 million in tax revenue. $3 millIon was to be used for the public schools, and the fire department; police department; and the department of public works; would have received $1 million each. The remaining $500,000 would have gone to various town departments.

The override does not affect this year’s budget, which is balanced and will remain so according to Kay.