LtE: The Cost of Doing Nothing

The consequences of a failed override would be severe.  More than 60 full-time equivalent positions could be eliminated across the Town and schools, including educators and paraprofessionals. Our children would see larger class sizes, impacts on athletics and extracurricular activities, and potentially the return of tuition for full-day kindergarten .  Significant reductions in municipal services would impact our police, fire, and public works departments, along with reduced library hours and staff that could put its certification at risk. Further cuts would have to follow in subsequent years.

That is why Together for Reading is endorsing a Yes vote on Reading's $6.5 million Proposition 2½ operational override on November 3.* 

Some have suggested waiting until April 2027 and asking voters for a smaller amount after identifying additional budget cuts.  Since the last override in 2018, Town and school administrators have creatively and judiciously stretched Reading’s tax dollars to maintain services, even as inflation has vastly outpaced the revenue available under Proposition 2 ½. Waiting does not make Reading's financial challenges disappear. Without an override in place for FY28, the Town and schools would have to plan for and make significant additional reductions to balance their budgets. In April 2027 residents would still face the question of paying more, but for substantially reduced Town and school services.  

We recognize that any tax increase is difficult, particularly for seniors on fixed incomes and families struggling with rising costs. Those concerns are real and should not be dismissed.  Reading's Assessing Department offers property-tax exemptions for seniors and eligible residents, as well as a financial-hardship deferral for residents unable to fully meet their tax obligation because of age, infirmity, and poverty.  These programs aren’t automatic - seniors and other residents need to apply and qualify.  If cost is a concern it’s worth looking into what relief may be available.  The Town’s Elder and Human Services Department also offers education, support, and services for residents of all ages. 

Supporting this override means preserving the schools and services that define our community while helping ensure that our most financially vulnerable neighbors have access to available resources.  

For more detailed information about the impacts of both a failed and successful override, voters can go to the  Town’s FY28 Override Hub .  

The choice is difficult, but the cost of doing nothing is clear. Together for Reading urges residents to vote Yes on November 3.

Carolyn Johnson
Chair, Together for Reading

*This endorsement has been cleared by the Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF).