Muradian, Moore suggest Grafton reach out to other towns to change Proposition 2 1/2
When the Select Board first invited state Rep. David Muradian and state Sen. Michael Moore in to discuss changing Proposition 2 1/2, they weren’t expecting a lot of enthusiasm on the legislators’ part.
They were right.
Proposition 2 1/2, passed by a ballot question in 1980, limits a town’s annual property tax increase to 2 1/2 percent. While larger communities with a strong business presence have had little issues with the limitation, smaller communities like Grafton have had to call for overrides just to fund their town budgets — in Grafton’s case, twice in the past five years.
“I believe that Proposition 2 1/2 has run its course,” Select Board member Ray Mead told Moore and Muradian Tuesday night.
But rather than take the request straight to the State House, the pair suggested instead that the board reach out to the Massachusetts Municipal Association, which may have a better read on how communities are coping with their budgets under Proposition 2 1/2.
Another option would be a home rule petition exempting the town of Grafton from Proposition 2 1/2, Moore suggested.
“I don’t think it would receive a lot of support,” he added. Not only would Grafton be the first town to do so, but it would likely hinder how the state allocates local aid.
Mead said a home rule option affecting only Grafton would be the way to go and said the town needs to reach out to other communities.
“I’m not saying we need to change Proposition 2 1/2,” he said. “I just think its old enough to look at.”
Select Board member Colleen Roy agreed and asked Moore which of his communities have reached out to him. He said Shrewsbury has had issues.
Select Board Chair Peter Carlson suggested that a local income tax might be a fairer option down the line, since property taxes can hit owners who have fixed incomes (see image below for a draft initiative of a home rule petition).
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