South Hadley is a warning sign for financially strained municipalities across the U.S. ‘Voters want more efficiencies in government and less taxes.’
Voters in South Hadley, Mass., decisively rejected Tuesday a steep property tax hike proposal that officials said was needed to avert deep cuts and ease a financial crunch similar to ones expected to hit more towns around the U.S.
By 65% to 34%, voters defeated a measure to allow the Western Massachusetts college town to raise $11 million in new property taxes through what is called an override, according to unofficial results. A $9 million proposal also failed.
Under the $11 million option, owners of an average home would have seen their property tax bills jump 50%, likely over five years, the town said, compared with a 15% increase if neither option passed.
The Wall Street Journal
By Scott Calvert
April 14, 2026 10:11 pm ET