VOTE!
On Tuesday, March 13, 2007, the Town of Winchester will conduct an historic special election. Citizens will vote on whether the Town will acquire the 20-acre Hamilton Farm property off of Ridge Street (formerly the Wright-Locke Farm). Specifically, the election seeks authorization to exempt from the tax levy limitation imposed by Proposition 2½ the debt costs that the Town will incur from borrowing to match the sale price that the owners have negotiated with a third party (Avalon Bay). On February 26, 2007, Town Meeting approved the acquisition and authorized borrowing of $13.6 million subject to a successful vote at this election. Town Meeting also authorized the Board of Selectmen to pursue the sale of all or a portion of the property for no less than $7 million consistent with its Request for Proposals that identifies land use options for the Farm, including historic and open space preservation. State law requires that any proceeds generated from this sale be applied to the indebtedness incurred in acquiring the property in the first place.
A second question appears on the ballot seeking approval of a general Proposition 2½ tax override of $1,347,000 for the next fiscal year (FY 2008) that begins on July 1, 2007. These funds would supplement the general budget to support municipal and school programs and services. It is projected that the cost of this override in FY 2008 would be $0.25 on each $1,000 of property value.
I have been asked repeatedly why the Town would “waste” money or attempt to confuse voters by calling for a special election so close to the regularly scheduled annual election of the Town (scheduled for March 27). The reason for the special election was to accommodate a vote on the Hamilton Farm acquisition before the Town’s right of first refusal expired. According to state law, the Town has 120 days to exercise its right from the date it was presented a bona fide sale to a third party. This date expires on March 15.
State law precludes official Town resources from being used to advocate for or against ballot questions, so this Blog will not do so. I would, however, encourage all voters to participate in this important decision facing Winchester.
A second question appears on the ballot seeking approval of a general Proposition 2½ tax override of $1,347,000 for the next fiscal year (FY 2008) that begins on July 1, 2007. These funds would supplement the general budget to support municipal and school programs and services. It is projected that the cost of this override in FY 2008 would be $0.25 on each $1,000 of property value.
I have been asked repeatedly why the Town would “waste” money or attempt to confuse voters by calling for a special election so close to the regularly scheduled annual election of the Town (scheduled for March 27). The reason for the special election was to accommodate a vote on the Hamilton Farm acquisition before the Town’s right of first refusal expired. According to state law, the Town has 120 days to exercise its right from the date it was presented a bona fide sale to a third party. This date expires on March 15.
State law precludes official Town resources from being used to advocate for or against ballot questions, so this Blog will not do so. I would, however, encourage all voters to participate in this important decision facing Winchester.
The polls open at 7:00AM at the normal locations and will close at 8:00PM.
posted by Mel Kleckner at 12:25 PM
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