Georgetown voters are being asked to consider something the town has never done before: an underride. Statewide, only 24 underrides have been attempted – and every one of them has passsed.
Several months ago, I became aware of bill coming before the legislature (S.2902) that would allow towns to establish tax relief programs for seniors! With regret, the bill lingers with no clear timeline for consideration and possible passage.
Rather than waiting for some unknown, I was thinking of a way that we could help our seniors, and the less fortunate in our town. I did some research and learned about the “underride.” Since I’ve been to many houses, and have witnessed first-hand, elders and families making choices between their food, utilities, medicine, and new taxes, I knew I had to help somehow!
In January, I submitted a citizens’ petition proposing a $1.5 million underride. This follows last year’s $6 million override. This proposal represents a partial correction – reducing the tax burden while maintain core services.
We are not going to lose accreditations of police, or schools. The council on aging, and other departments, will not close due to this reduction! This is the scare tactic they used on us last year to pull the wool over our eyes, like the sky is falling! Please do not believe the untruths that people are talking about, or on Facebook! They are all lying and will try to do anything they can to stop us from getting this passed! You watch what they try! Look up facts yourself, you’ll find that these facts are correct!
It is not up to me to rewrite the budgets to try and save money for our town! In the past, every year, we put money away for a rainy day! Not now. They want to spend it all and ask for more!!!! The people that are responsible for the budgets are the department heads of each department. At home, we have to live within our budgets.
They can ask for up to 2.5% increase, anything above that, is an override if they ask for it! Please bear in mind that we also need to take into consideration insurance, energy sources, snow removal, contracts, vendors, and keeping our equipment in tune and up and running!
In years past, we would put money away and save. Jim Davis, one of our previous financial directors, by moving money around from bank to bank, and other skills he had, made us a million dollars! I don’t think that we ever grew beyond that, and I don’t think we even have that now!
The average homeowner in Mass. pays approximately $7,732 – $8,000 in taxes per year. Our rate is now $13.76 per thousand in Georgetown!
Our schools account for 70% of our budget, serving approximately 1,123 students. At the same time, about 239 school-aged children residing in Georgetown are not enrolled in the district.
Our school system is comprised of a ratio of roughly one student per 4.4 employees. We have approximately 270 employees, and, we have a very heavy administration!
So, I asked the finance committee chair: “why do we have so many principals, and assistant principals?” I was told, “K through 6 grades, have problems!” “What kind, disciplinary?” The answer was “yes.” “You mean we are paying thousands of dollars for babysitters?”… No answer!
In the town of Georgetown, we care about all our students, they are our future! I believe our new superintendent took on a job that had many problems, and I believe in her, that she is working extremely hard to work through a lot of problems that were left to her! My heart goes out to her; she has an extremely tough job!
It’s time to reflect, stay informed, and
participate.
Please register to vote before April 23rd, 2026 at the town clerk’s office! Make sure you get your absentee ballot also!
Make sure that you attend the town meeting, Monday, May 4th, at 7:00, at the high school.
Please go early to get a seat, and do not leave until the end, as someone could make a motion for reconsideration of the underride article! And we could lose!
If this article passes, it will have to be voted on again by the selectman, to go on to the
November ballot!
Please tell all your friends and neighbors, as I cannot do this alone!!!
Responsible budgetting and active
participation will determine whether Georgetown remains affordable for ALL the people who call it home.
Thank you, Kay Lee.
