Debt Exclusion History

Often voters are confused about terms like “operating overrides” and “debt exclusions”. Created by Proposition 2 1/2, these voter actions are required for local taxation to increase in aggregate by more than 2.5% plus new growth.

Because Lexington has significant new growth, Lexington’s total operating budgets have increased more than the automated maximum increase of 2.5% in recent years, although each taxpayer has a different experience. Since student enrollments have been steadily increasing, the town has been fortunate to meet it’s financial needs in this low inflationary environment.

Town managers propose that operating budgets will continue to increase at the maximum allowed per year (experienced by most as increases in the 2.5-3.0% range), but in the upcoming years adding debt for three new projects. If passed, this increased taxation would occur for the duration of the associated projects and bonds, and then the expansion in permissible taxes would sunset.

Voter Turnout

In previous elections, the majority of voters did not take the opportunity to learn about the issues and express their preferences at the polls. We would like to encourage all voters to learn in detail about the projects and vote!

Election Type Date Amount (million) Possible Voters Actual Voters Yes Votes No Votes
Debt Exclusion: Clarke/Diamond May 2016 $71 mm 21,385 5,473 3,333 2,135
Debt Exclusion: Estabrook Jan 2012 $39.7 mm 5,710 4,140 1,570
Debt Exclusion: Bridge/Bowman Jan 2012 $21.7 mm 5,701 3,756 1,945
Debt Exclusion: Public Works June 2007 $25.2 mm 11,697 6,013 5,684