Override Discussion Makes A Stop At Jenks Center

WINCHESTER - In its second stop on the road to an override vote, Winchester town leaders were at the Jenks Center Thursday to discuss why the town needs more of your money.

"For those who like information and data, this is your morning," said Select Board chair Lance Grenzeback , who led off the discussion much as he did at last week's public information session at the high school.

A quick head count showed 55 residents in the meeting room and they heard what will become a familiar theme in the coming weeks. The town's property tax revenues are capped at 2.5 percent but with expenditures up roughly 5 percent Winchester has been forced to dip into its reserves to balance its budget. Those days are nearing an end, leading to the town's first override vote since 2008 when voters approved a nearly $1.4 million override.

While the specific figure hasn't been finalized, Grenzebeck said on the March 26 ballot the town will be asking for approximately $12 million, split between $10 million for the operating budget, and $2 million to replenish the capital and building stabilization funds. Should voters say no, Town Manager Lisa Wong, School Superintendent Judy Evans, and Roger McPeek of the Capital Planning Committee all explained what it would mean to Winchester. And Grenzebeck summed it up for all when he said, "it would be very painful."

So how is pain defined?

The police department would lose two officers, the fire department four fire fighters. In the schools, 15-18 teacher positions would be eliminated, meaning the district's 4,600 students would see an increase in class sizes across the board. The Waterfield and Lake Street Bridges are both in need of repair, but that work would have to be delayed. Repairs to numerous town buildings including schools would be delayed. In addition, the reconstruction of the Highland and Main Street intersection would be delayed. Everything from pot holes to sidewalk repairs would all be put aside.

But a yes vote would create a different kind of pain, an increased tax bill for the the town's almost 23,000 residents, many of whom are seniors on fixed income. Select Board member Mariano Goluboff explained that for the average single-family home in Winchester there would be an increase of $1,080 the first year, $1,500 with the full effect of the override. He also explained opportunities for seniors to lessen their tax bills, including a potential new senior tax break similar to what Reading uses that will be discussed at the May Town meeting.

"Time's up," said Grenzebeck. "For better or worse, we're due."

The next group to see the PowerPoint presentation are Town Meeting members, Monday night at the high school. Residents are also invited to attend. Following that meeting the Select Board has until Friday to finalize an override figure.

Photo by Bob Holmes