SOUTH HADLEY, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Fifty-four Massachusetts cities and towns are proposing overrides this year, the second most since the early 1990s, according to massbudget.org.

A Proposition 2 1/2 override asks voters to allow their town to go above the legally allowed 2.5 percent property tax increase. Schools, libraries, and fire services could face cuts without the additional revenue.

“There’s not one department that doesn’t affect, which is hard, and it’s the services provided to the community as well,” said Chuck Romboletti, assistant town administrator for South Hadley.

South Hadley residents will likely face another override vote on September 1 after a previous vote failed in May. The town will confirm the date later this summer. Romboletti said without the override, services like the library, schools, and the fire department could see steep cuts.

Massachusetts gives its cities and towns about five percent less than other states, landing it at 38th out of 50 for money given, according to a report from the Massachusetts Municipal Association.

Services have also become more expensive. Health insurance is one of the biggest financial challenges towns are facing. “Our health insurance budget is huge. That’s just going to crowd out other services. It’s scary. Something needs to be done,” Romboletti added.

In Easthampton, a home assessed at $418,000 would pay $1,199.64 per year for the $6.9 million override, according to Mayor Salem Derby. That’s $99.97 a month. “Without the override, a lot of teachers are gonna get fired and students are gonna lose a lot of opportunities,” one person said at an Easthampton walkout.

However, not everyone supports the increases. “Not everyone can afford, like, such a big tax increase,” said Gabriel Del Valle, a South Hadley High School freshman.

Colin Zraunig, a senior at South Hadley High School, said the investment is necessary. “If we want to be able to continue to be considered a strong town we have to invest a little bit,” he explained.

The town of Hadley approved a $1.5 million override on June 3. In Easthampton, a special election on June 9 will determine if the city will pass its $6.9 million override.

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