~ Letter-to-the-Editor ~ A Necessary Choice for Malden’s Future

By Mayor Gary Christenson

On Tuesday, December 16^th, the Malden City Council voted unanimously to place on the ballot two options for a Proposition 2 ½ override to address the structural deficit in the current budget. The election is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31^st. This City Council vote is one that shows leadership and commitment to this community. We have come to a critical moment in our city’s history and how we respond to it will determine who we are as a city for years to come. This is an ask that neither I nor the City Council take lightly, but the truth is, this is something that should have been considered several years ago as a variety of factors continued to put a strain on Malden at levels far greater than other communities. At our current run rate, we are utilizing reserves at a level that isn’t sustainable. Our reserves, while less than many other cities, remain relatively healthy. These are critical to have in the event we find ourselves facing state cuts or other unforeseen economic challenges and we simply cannot deplete them to fund basic city services.

Now, how did we get here? Not to be cliché but it really is a perfect storm led primarily by a flawed state education formula that is greatly hampering our ability to finance the rest of city services. It’s really simple math. State law requires us to put a larger percentage of our available revenue toward school funding than any other similar community. For more information, please visit www.cityofmalden.org/override. We have been raising the alarm on this inequity since 2021 and have been the leading voice in bringing focus to this issue at the State House. This year, our State Delegation was successful in requiring the Department of Education to commission a study on this issue, but with 351 cities and towns receiving aid from this formula, it’s a herculean task to change.

I know from my many years working with this community that our residents will give much thought to this proposal. I ask that you consider that Malden is a great place to live, more affordable than most surrounding communities, and has a track record of being responsible with your tax dollars. I ask that you invest in Malden. The alternative of cutting our way to a balanced budget will no doubt leave this community a less desirable place to live and raise a family.

I understand that this ask puts a strain on already tight family budgets. One thing we have been able to do to soften the impact of this is to increase the residential tax exemption from 30 to 35 percent. For those owning a home, the override impact will be greatly reduced thanks to this newly passed increase. Even with the proposed override, when combined with the increased exemption, our taxes remain more than competitive. Please visit the link listed above for more information.

At one time, cities and towns who requested overrides were limited to the wealthiest communities. Not anymore. We join a record setting number of municipalities that will be asking for overrides this year, even if the reasons differ by city. The question is whether we are able and willing to keep Malden moving forward and fund basic city services. I ask that you vote “Yes” on March 31^st because I think Malden is worth it!