Community Questionnaire

In recent years, the City of Melrose has seen a significant increase in the number of school-aged children, and this trend will continue going forward. Given this, the budget for the Melrose Public Schools’ department is being strained as the school department tries to meet the challenges created by this population growth. For instance, more students create a need for additional teachers, specialists, supplies, and classroom space.

When the school department receives more money from the city’s total budget to cover these additional costs, every other city department is negatively impacted. The city cannot simply raise taxes to fill the gap, because of a state law entitled Proposition 2 ½. In summary, Proposition 2 ½ caps the amount of revenue the City of Melrose is allowed to collect from taxpayers. When this state law was passed, it included a mechanism to allow residents to vote to “override” the cap if they found that it was in their city/town’s best interest.

The Mayor has stated her intention to ask the Board of Aldermen to place an override question on the ballot for the spring of 2019. To help us understand which aspects of city services you as a resident prioritize, your input in completing the following questionnaire is critical. The questionnaire is anonymous and space is provided at the end to offer additional information or to bring ideas forward. Thank you for your participation and involvement in this important process.