Stoneham Override Study Committee Recommends $12.5 Million Annual Tax Increase

STONEHAM -- September 25, 2025, Stoneham Override Study Committee votes 6-2 to recommend a $12.5 million annual Prop 2.5 override to the Select Board. The committee, which has been analyzing department budgets since July, settled on $12,506,094, a figure the majority said reflects what the data shows the town needs, not what they believe voters will accept. The school department's ask of roughly $8.681 million dominated discussion, driven in part by data showing 119 combined years of teacher experience lost in a single summer, with departing staff citing salary gaps of up to $20,000 compared with neighboring towns. Members Jackie and Steven voted no on both the dollar figure and a companion motion affirming the amount is intended to sustain level service through fiscal years 2027, 2028, and 2029 under normal Prop 2.5 and new growth. "If we don't recommend the number that the town needs, then we're not doing our job as a committee," said member Corey. The committee plans to present its roughly 18-page final report to the Select Board at a concurrent session Tuesday, September 30.