A quiet western Massachusetts town is being torn apart by a proposed 50% property tax hike — with neighbors stealing yard signs from one another and some residents warning they could be forced to sell their homes.
Residents of South Hadley, Mass., head to the polls Tuesday to vote on proposals to close the local budget gap.
One would raise $11 million for the town and hike average property tax bills by about $1,700 per year, according to the Daily Hampshire Gazette. The more modest proposal would generate a cool $9 million, increasing average property tax bills by roughly $1,400.
For homeowners, the impact could be steep.
A single-family home valued at about $417,000 could see its annual property taxes spike from the current level of $5,639 to $7,082, under the $9 million plan. The levy would come to a painful $7,403 under the $11 million approach.
The figure could climb to about $8,477 over five years under the higher $11 million option as annual increases compound.
Funds from the higher taxes would close a $3 million budget gap and pay for public schools, among other purposes.
Officials say the oft-cited “50% increase” reflects the town’s projected growth in its overall tax levy over five years under the higher option — not necessarily a single-year spike — and actual bills could vary depending on how much of that capacity the town ultimately uses.
Massachusetts already ranks among the most expensive states in the US for property taxes, with homeowners paying an average of $7,900 per year — trailing only a handful of Northeastern states like New Jersey and Connecticut.
Residents may also feel the increases unevenly, since property tax bills are issued in installments, with larger jumps typically showing up later in the fiscal year.
Stephen Frantz, 82, told the Wall Street Journal that the tax hike could force him out of the home he cherishes, complete with its carefully tended garden.
“Absolutely devastating,” the retired pathobiologist said of the prospect of selling. “I love the house.”
Martha Terry, a retired teacher who opposes the tax hike, pushed back on the idea that critics are simply being cheap, saying residents are already stretched thin by rising costs.
“We’re not bad guys,” Terry said.
“It’s not like we’re some tightwads and some parsimonious old Scrooges.”
Backers of the override argue the tax hike is the only way to prevent deep cuts to schools, police and other core services, saying the town has little choice but to raise revenue.
“I’m very nervous,” Larry Dixon, a leader of the pro-override campaign, told the Journal. “I’ve got skin in the game here.”
The fight has gotten so heated that campaign signs for both sides have been swiped from lawns — prompting local police to issue a blunt warning: “Stealing signs won’t change minds, just your criminal record.”
