Welcome to the Newton Taxpayers Association website.
NTxA is a non-profit, non-partisan fiscal watchdog organization. Founded in 1936, our goal has always been to foster governmental economy and efficiency. Our members believe in civic duty and volunteerism and represent all areas, economic strata and political persuasions.
Help us fight to safeguard the fiscal health of Newton. Please click here to join.
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NTxA forms 'Newton For Fiscal Responsibility' to defeat overrides.
Read the press release here.
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NTxA or NFFR...Which is right for you?
The Newton Taxpayers Association is a permanent organization founded in 1936 dedicated to fighting waste and mismanagement in Newton in all its forms. NTxA founded NFFR for the specific purpose of fighting the current override and its likely successors. By joining NTxA you're saying you want to continue to keep an eye on Newton's fiscal affairs after the override is over. Membership is $25 per year; all additional donations earmarked for the override fight will be transferred to NFFR.
Newton For Fiscal Responsibility was founded by the NTxA and dozens of unaffiliated Newtonites to fight the current series of overrides. Although some of NTxA's leaders are also leaders of NFFR, the organizations are separate. NFFR is not expected to be a permanent organization and will disband when the override fight is over. To limit your effort to the override, join NFFR. It's free, but recommends a $25 donation. Click here to switch to the NFFR website.
Override
The Board of Aldermen has authorized a permanent $12 million override, to be voted upon by the public on May 20th. This is considered a "one year" override, meaning that if nothing changes in city finances, we can expect a similar override next year.
The Board failed to put a $200 million debt exclusion for Newton North High School on the ballot because they fear it will be rejected by the public. If this over-designed, over-priced trophy school is paid for out of the operating budget it will force at least one additional override.
So the net effect of the override and the new Newton North project will likely be about $435 this year and about $900 next year in new taxes to the average Newton homeowners annual tax bill.
All told, these overrides will cost the average Newton homeowner nearly $7,000 in new taxes in the next five years. They will grow at 2.5% forever, just as our current property taxes grow.
We believe the override is unnecessary. Between $20 million and $25 million in cash is sitting in the city treasury, more than enough to pay for any shortfall now facing the city. The plain facts, as everyone knows, is that Mayor Cohen is asking for this override and withholding city funds to pay for his extravagant and unnecessary Newton North High School.
The only way to wisely fund all the city's needs is to build a far less expensive high school. The NTxA believes Newton should renovate the current high school, saving the city $100 million over the "Taj Mahal" Mayor Cohen is attempting to build.
We're collecting names of those people who want to help. Please click HERE and tell us if you want a lawn sign or in what ways you want to be a part of the fight.
One way you can help is by making a donation to the Override Fund or General Fund, in addition to your $25 membership dues. Click HERE to go to our Membership/Donate page.
To fight the override through Newton For Fiscal Responsibility click HERE.
Thanks for your interest.
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Newton Taxpayers Association
P.O. Box 451
Newton, MA 02460
617-965-9290
Email: main@newtontaxpayers.org
Entire site copyright © Newton Taxpayers Association 2008