Brookline voters overwhelmingly approve tax override to avoid school, public safety cuts

The Town of Brooklyn overwhelmingly approved the tax override, averting cuts to hundreds of public safety jobs, school positions and education programs, the town said.

Nearly 60% of voters approved Brooklyn Question 1, with 8,859 yes votes and 5,826 no votes, according to official results shared with Boston.com.

“We have protected what makes Brooklyn Brooklyn,” the Yes to Brooklyn campaign said on its website. Website. “This victory means we protected our schools, preserved public safety services, preserved infrastructure investments, and preserved critical services that make Brooklyn an exceptional place to live.”

Overall turnout was 35 percent in the May 5 city election, the highest turnout ever recorded in a local election in Brooklyn, according to the results. Brooklyn News.

The vote approved overriding state Proposition 2 ½, which limits the amount property taxes can rise from year to year. Without the approved override, Brooklyn property taxes were expected to increase by about 11 percent over the next three years. With a yes vote, taxes will rise by 18% over the next three years.

The override would amount to an additional $23 million in tax revenue, including nearly $18 million for Brooklyn Public Schools and more than $5 million for the city of Brooklyn, according to city officials.

If the override does not pass, about 240 full-time positions will be cut from the budget. At PSB, world language programs in the conservatory and middle schools would have been eliminated, and class sizes would have been increased.

“Thank you so much to Brooklyn voters for saying yes to investing in our schools, our public resources, our teachers, and most importantly, our students!” Brooklyn Teachers Union He said.

If the override fails, the currently vacant police positions will be permanently eliminated, and a fire engine will be taken out of active duty, resulting in the layoff of 20 firefighters, the town said.

“Staffing is important. Response times are important,” the Brooklyn Police Union said. Support the yes vote Before the May 5 elections.