Vote YES, YES, YES down the ballot to support Melrose’s future
3 Ballot Questions. Only 1—the highest $ amount to receive a majority YES vote—will take effect.
How a Tiered Ballot Works
Only ONE measure takes effect
The question with the highest dollar amount that gets more than 50% of YES votes prevails.
Voting YES for only your top choice risks not passing any.
VOTE YES DOWN THE BALLOT
Vote YES on 1A to STRENGTHEN
Vote YES on 1B to REPAIR
Vote YES on 1C to STABILIZE
All options are estimated to provide sustainable funding for the items listed through the end of FY29. With no override, the city expects an estimated $4M in cuts for FY27 with deepening cuts in future years.
FAQs About Tiered Ballots
Does the question that gets the highest percentage of YES votes prevail?
No. It’s the highest dollar amount that gets more than 50%, even if a different question gets a higher percentage.
Example:
If more than one question gets more than 50% of YES votes, will the override be for both of those amounts of money put together?
No. Only the highest dollar amount that gets more than 50% will be the amount of the override.
Example:
What if I *only* want to vote for 1A because I think that’s the right amount?
That’s great, but it is still best to vote YES on ALL THREE questions, down the ballot. If 1A does not pass, and strong supporters only vote YES on 1A, then they have not helped pass the second best option, 1B.
On November 4, 2025, we get to decide the kind of town we want Melrose to be.
Ballot Questions
Vote YES, YES, YES for the best chance of success.
Learn more about how these questions were selected.
Vote YES on 1A to STRENGTHEN
“Shall the City of Melrose be allowed to assess an additional $13,500,000 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purposes of funding: 17 school, 5 public works, and 2 police officer positions (salaries and benefits); city and school employee union contracts and benefits; school technology and curriculum needs; public works, senior center, veterans services, and library programs; and repairs and maintenance to roads, sidewalks, buildings, and parks for which the monies from this assessment will be used for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025?”
Vote YES on 1B to REPAIR
“Shall the City of Melrose be allowed to assess an additional $11,900,000 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purposes of funding: 9 school, 3 public works, and 2 police officer positions (salaries and benefits); city and school employee union contracts and benefits; school technology and curriculum needs; public works programs; and repairs and maintenance to roads, sidewalks, and buildings for which the monies from this assessment will be used for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025?”
Vote YES on 1C to STABILIZE
“Shall the City of Melrose be allowed to assess an additional $9,300,000 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purposes of funding: 3 school positions (salaries and benefits); city and school employee union contracts and benefits; and essential repairs to roads and sidewalks, for which the monies from this assessment will be used for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025?”
