Newton League of Women Voters Throws Support Behind Override Proposal

With roughly two months to go before the Newton voters decide whether to support Mayor Setti Warren's $11.4 million override package, the Newton League of Women Voters has voiced its opinion on the proposal. 

During its member meeting on Thursday, Jan. 10, the Newton LWV "voted overwhelmingly" in support of all three override questions, according to the Newton LWV's website. 

With the vote, the Newton LWV can now advocate on behalf of the override, the website says. The override stance will also be added to the Newton LWV's 2012-2013 program.

Newton residents will consider the mayor's override proposal in a special election set for March 12. The proposal includes three ballot questions:

• The first question asks for an $8.4 million operational override that would cover a number of different capital needs including funding for projects in the schools, public works, police and fire departments.

• The second question asks for approval of a debt exclusion override to cover the cost of rebuilding the 90-year-old Angier Elementary. 

• The third question asks for a similar debt exclusion override to cover the cost of renovating or rebuilding the 80-year-old Cabot Elementary.

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If all three overrides pass, the average Newton tax bill will increase by approximately 50 cents for every $1,000 valuation of a home, according to Chief Financial Officer Maureen Lemieux. This amounts to an average of $343 per year, based on Newton's median home price of $686,000.

The city has launched an override calculator that helps residents find out how much their taxes will increase if the proposed override passes.

What do you think? Does the $11.4 million override have your vote? Will you be supporting all three questions, some, or none? Tell us in the comments section below.