BEVERLY — The citizens group formed to oppose a Proposition 21/2 override has proposed nine "solutions" to the city's budget problems.
The list ranges from increasing city employees' share of their health insurance costs to canceling plans for a new high school.
"We're not a group that's complaining," said Elliott Margolis, the founder of Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility. "We're a group that's providing solutions. Even if none of the solutions is accepted, they're talking points to begin a conversation."
Margolis said 50 to 60 people attended the group's meeting Tuesday night at the Beverly Farms library. He said members will be standing on sidewalks with "vote no override" signs on Saturday in North Beverly and Gloucester Crossing. About 100 of the lawn signs are up around the city, he said.
The group was formed to oppose the $2.5 million property tax override that will be on the ballot in the June 3 special election. Proponents say the override is needed to give the community another year to consider alternatives to Superintendent James Hayes' cost-saving plan to close Cove and McKeown elementary schools and lay off 61 teachers and other employees.
The owner of a $450,000 home would pay an extra $185 in property taxes every year if the override passes. Proponents have acknowledged that cuts will need to be made even with an override, but it will give the community more time to make those decisions.
Here are the nine proposals from Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility:
r Raise city employee health benefits to 40 percent contribution as other communities have done.
r Eliminate city employee payouts for accumulated sick leave.
r Eliminate city employees' early retirement.
r Reduce the number of school administrators and other personnel.
r Eliminate block scheduling; return to standard scheduling.
r Privatize custodial services and busing.
r Petition the state to make private educational institutions pay taxes.
r Join other communities to petition the state to pay for unfunded state mandates.
r Cancel plans for a new high school and repair the current high school; regularly maintain all properties.
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