Not Another Override!

Many say we have to pass this override because Brookline can only raise property tax revenues by 2.5% a year by state law. Even the Town spouts this on their website!

IS THIS TRUE?   NO, ABSOLUTELY NOT!

In 2023 the Property Tax Levy stood at $281 million. In 2026? 332 million.  That’s right, Brookline taxpayers have STEPPED UP big time, fueling a staggering $51 million (18%) expansion of the tax levy in just three years.

The burden on taxpayers has grown by more than inflation, sometimes twice as much, since 2023!

HOW? Brookline’s total property tax levy by year includes:

1. The 2.5% increase

2. New Growth — which has typically added 1%

3. Operating Override Dollars passed

4. Debt Exclusion Dollars

AND, there are more increases coming with or without this override:

Source: Brookline FY2027-Financial-Plan

So, No, you aren’t just imagining things if you feel the disconnect between reality and the 2.5% rhetoric! 

Your taxes HAVE increased in the face of cuts to programs and services and will continue!  Another +11% in hikes over the next three years is happening even without this override, due to the phase-in of the 79% increase in annual debt service payments since 2023.

So, before advancing another big check to the Town for $23 million, let’s re-set to understand where we are and how we got here. There is no “cash crunch” making these funds necessary NOW. Instead let’s work together on binding commitments on the budget BEFORE writing the check, and challenge ourselves to define our principles and priorities moving forward.

It’s time for a lot more transparency and accountability.

SAY No on Question 1 on May 5th.  Keep Brookline Affordable. Keep Brookline Accountable.

Learn more at AffordableBrookline.com

Find out what will happen to your property tax by using the calculator below: