2 1/2 override

Faced with declining revenues, cuts to local aid and rising costs, many Massachusetts towns are increasing hotel and meals taxes as well as overriding Proposition 2 1/2 to raise property taxes.

In Rockland, residents voted 2-1 in favor of a Proposition 2 1/2 override to build an $86 million high school. Marilyn Werkheiser, a member of the Rockland School Committee, told the Boston Globe that people are willing to invest in the future of their town. referring to the weak economy.

“I think people really understand the need to do these things [increase taxes] to make our town better.’’

At town meetings in Hudson, Wellesley and Bellmont, voters raised meals taxes. Town officials in Hudson said the .75 percent increase on restaurants would save town jobs. While some said that any increase in taxes would be unfair to restaurants, others noted that a .75 percent increase would mean just 8 cent more on a $10 check.

Below is a list of towns that have passed meals and/or hotel taxes:

While many communities in Massachusetts are cutting services to make up for increasing budget deficits, Randolph voters, who last year passed a Prop. 2 1/2 override, are investing in their public systems and laying the groundwork for economic growth according to an article in today's Patriot Ledger:

Executive Secretary David Murphy said economic development is key to a stable tax rate and stable municipal services. “If you don’t have new investment, you don’t have new revenues. And if you don’t have new revenues, you don’t have money to meet needs when they arise,” he said.

According to the Randolph residents, the investment is paying off.