Brookline Advisory Committee issues a resounding NO to Pierce project
The town’s financial Advisory Committee last week voted 12-5 against a $212 million Pierce School building project that if approved by voters at the May 2 election would be the most expensive elementary school in Massachusetts history, adding an annual 4.5% increase to property tax bills.
Advisory Committee members objected to the size and scope of the project and criticized town officials for failing to maximize the 35.5% discount offered by the state. The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) has rejected about half the project for reimbursement saying that it falls outside of state guidelines. As a result, the town would receive only an 18% discount on the $212 million.
Altogether, voters will be asked to approve ballot questions that would raise property taxes nearly 10%. A general override of $12 million to fund a Town and School budget shortfall would be the largest in Brookline history. Combined with the addition of a composting program that is also on the ballot it would raise property taxes by about 5%.
The Select Board this week decided to put the Pierce project to the voters as Question #1. Select Board member John VanScoyoc has expressed reservations about the project. Other Board members have not.
The town’s debt increased 470% from fiscal 2017 to fiscal 2022, a time in which the town undertook several large capital projects that were put before the voters.
The AC vote was not unexpected. According to a report issued on July 20, 2022, “Members of the AC are concerned about the absence of a transparent and consistent process for prioritizing capital projects in the town…Members noted recent school projects are ‘befitting private colleges’ and set too high a standard for future school building projects.”
The AC report continued, “Finally, U.S. Census Bureau data indicates that for the years 2016-2020, 28% of homeowners and 47% of renters are paying greater than 30% of their income on housing costs, an indication of being ‘cost-burdened.’ It is reasonable to predict that given the current inflationary environment and increases in housing prices and rents that the percentage of ‘cost-burdened’ residents has risen.” Advisory Committee members are appointed by the town moderator, who oversees Town Meeting.
Newton voters defeated a $9.2 million override at the March 14 town election while narrowly approving two school projects that together will amount to about half of the cost of Brookline’s one School.
Early voting at Brookline Town Hall begins on April 22. Election day is May 2.
Advisory Committee Recording. Pierce Exclusion discussion begins at 2:04:30.