South Hadley election: Tax overrides, contested races on ballot

Voters in Massachusetts Town Reject Big Property Tax Hike

Voters in a small western Massachusetts town have overwhelmingly denied a major property tax hike that local officials said was needed to close a budget gap and avoid cuts to public services. South Hadley, home to about 18,000 people, on April 14 rejected two ballot measures described as tax overrides. In Massachusetts, state law generally caps annual increases in property tax revenue at 2.5 percent, unless voters approve a steeper increase thro…

Political Notebook: South Hadley voters reject controversial Proposition 2½ override

The proposals sparked a heated local debate as sluggish state aid growth and strict limits on local tax increases continue to trap many local governments in a difficult position with few options to manage rising costs.

South Hadley voters say no to $9M, $11M overrides, no to municipal light building

SOUTH HADLEY — South Hadley will lose some programs and services, after voters denied separate $9 million and $11 million tax overrides Tuesday. Tuesday’s ballot question had two options for voters: They had to vote “yes” or “no” on an increased levy of $9 million over four years, and vote “yes” or “no” on an increased levy of $11 million over five years. If both had passed, the town would have opted with the larger override.

South Hadley election: Tax overrides, contested races on ballot

Voters in South Hadley are heading to the polls Tuesday for the town's annual election, and voters will be considering two different options for property tax increases in order to close gaps in the town and school budgets.