EASTHAMPTON, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – Easthampton voters are heading to the polls Tuesday to decide the fate of a $6.9 million property tax override.

City leaders said the money is needed to close a budget gap and avoid major cuts to schools, public safety and other city services.

Polls opened at 7 a.m. at Easthampton High School. Voters are divided and both sides said the stakes are high.

Kathy Wauczinski, an Easthampton resident, said she opposes the override because of the financial impact on residents. “One of the biggest reasons is the number of people who cannot afford the increase, both seniors and disabled and moderate working-income families that may end up losing their homes,” she explained. “And it’s not just this year. There’s increases that will happen every year after this and this becomes the new base.”

While some residents worry about the financial burden the override could place on homeowners, others said they are supporting the override because of what could be lost if it fails. Patti Richmond, an Easthampton resident and former teacher, said she knows firsthand what job cuts can mean. “I know how important schools are and so I’m really, that’s why I voted. Yes, I know what it’s like to be on the chopping block,” she added. “It happened to me one time in my career and I would hate to see a lot of teachers and other paraprofessionals lose their positions.”

A property tax calculator can be found here.

Polls remain open until 8 p.m. at Easthampton High School. City officials say they are hoping to have results tabulated by around 8:30 p.m.

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