Stoneham Sets December 9 Override Vote With $12.5M and $9.3M Options

STONEHAM -- October 21, 2025, Stoneham Select Board approves two-tier override election for December 9, with questions at $12.5 million and $9.3 million. The board voted 4-0-1 to place both questions on a special election ballot at 35 Central Street Town Hall, with member Dave abstaining after stating he could not accept the risk profile of the lower number but acknowledged the political reality. Town Administrator Dennis Sheehan presented modeling showing the $12.5 million option, which includes four new firefighters, a school resource officer, DPW restorations, and $8.6 million for schools, covering fiscal years 2027 through 2029, while the $9.3 million alternative strips new public safety positions and reduces the school ask to roughly $6.5 million. The tax impact for the average Stoneham home, assessed at $765,000, runs approximately $1,050 per year at the lower tier and $1,400 at the higher. Town Clerk Maria Segurino urged simple ballot language and confirmed no early in-person voting will be offered, though absentee and vote-by-mail options will be available. Library trustee Lisa Mashburn warned in public comment that without override funding meeting the state's $1,015,181 fiscal year 2027 minimum, the Stoneham Public Library faces potential closure and loss of state certification.