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Hello all! There is a lot going on in Melrose; here are some highlights. Please let me know if you'd like more detail or to discuss. Because there’s so much in this newsletter, here’s a short skimmable table of contents: Washington and Trenton Sidewalk and Road Repair Trash and Recycling Discount Program Improvements Increases to the Senior Property Tax Workoff program Vote on the Proposed Override by June 18th I recommend voting YES! Voting Process Feedback Ward 5 Hike Report Chapter 90 Bill Signing in Melrose Porchfest Signups are Open
1. Washington and Trenton Sidewalk and Road Repair Sidewalk and road repair is happening on Washington and Trenton Streets! This work has been long-awaited. The sidewalk repair has already started and is slated to be complete by the end of June. This will be followed by a final review of the pipes underneath the streets, before beginning the more expensive street repaving work. Everything should be completed over the next few months.
2. Trash and Recycling Discount Program Improvements The city’s new trash and recycling contract begins on July 1st. Fees are increasing for the first time in 10 years, and significantly. They are rising from $200 per year to around $432 per year for households. Because of this, I have proposed the following amendments to our program for discounts. I proposed these at the June 10th meeting of the Legal & Legislative committee, with unanimous approval from 4 members. I expect these amendments to be considered and likely approved by the full council on either June 20th or June 24th. Extend the 50% fee discount to all residents of Melrose, not only senior citizens. Specifically, the ordinance will read: Effective July 1, 2024, any resident of Melrose who owns and occupies a single-family home or condominium with an income of $65,870 or less for a single person, $75,280 or less for married couples, will be eligible for a 50% discount for this fee. Increase the 100% fee discount income thresholds by $10k. Specifically, the ordinance will read: Effective July 1, 2024. Any resident of Melrose who owns and occupies a single-family home or condominium with an income of $45,000 or less for a single person, $50,000 or less for married couples, will be eligible for a 100% discount for this fee. Further plan to raise the 100% discount income thresholds one year from now. Specifically, the ordinance will read: Effective July 1, 2025. Any resident of Melrose who owns and occupies a single-family home or condominium with an income of $55,000 or less for a single person, $65,000 or less for married couples, will be eligible for a 100% discount for this fee.
The DPW and City Council have also been working to resolve other questions as they come up about the new contract. Please feel free to email me with specific concerns or issues and I’d be happy to help you resolve them.
3. Increases to the Senior Property Tax Workoff program Mayor Jen has proposed, and the City Council has approved on May 20th, an increase from $1,000 to $2,000 for the Senior Property tax Workoff program (note: this city webpage has not yet been updated to the latest $2,000 number as of 6/12, but should be soon.) This program is a win-win for the city and for seniors. Anyone age 60+ can apply to complete identified tasks for the city in exchange for an abatement on their property tax bill. Another update to the program this year is that anyone physically unable to complete the work may designate someone else to complete it on their behalf.
4. Vote on the Proposed Override by June 18th We are in the midst of a special election to determine whether to increase the City Budget. Thank you to those who have already voted early! If you haven’t voted yet, you can return your mail-in ballot, vote in-person on Tuesday June 18th from 7:00am - 8:00pm, or request an absentee appointment through the elections office. Further logistical information is on the city’s special elections webpage. If you are voting on election day, I’ll see you at the polls!
5. I recommend voting YES! If you’re on the fence about how to vote, I’d like to share just a few thoughts here. Overall, I think we need this increase as a city. Having reviewed both the city and school budgets line by line and asked questions of the various department heads, I think that our money is generally well-spent and that the need is real. The items being asked for are not excessive and will support the healthy functioning of our city. Melrose’s residential tax rate, as seen on the MA Department of Revenue’s site, has been falling year by year.
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