Select Board weighs options for $6.5M override
The Reading Select Board discussed four ways to phase in a $6.5 million property tax override heading to a November vote, reaching no consensus.
Select Board · Meeting of August 4, 2026
READING — The Reading Select Board discussed four ways to phase in a $6.5 million property tax override heading to a November vote, reaching no consensus. Chief Financial Officer Sharon Angstrom said $6.5 million is "the lowest possible number we could go" given the town's structural deficit, presenting options from $4.5 million to $6 million in year one. Chair Melissa Murphy favored the smallest first-year hit, Christopher Haley backed a $5 million/$1.5 million split, and Sal Bramante argued for taking the full $6.5 million at once, saying residents would feel the impact "no matter what we do." Separately, the board voted 5-0 to proclaim August 31 as Overdose Awareness Day and 5-0 to install a stop sign on Sylvan Road.
Public comment featured dueling accusations of discrimination and harassment among board members tied to a committee appointment dispute that remains unresolved.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,438 words
Source: the Select Board meeting of August 4, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
Members read the rest of this story and every Reading meeting we cover, in full.
Become a memberAlready a member? Sign inA 30-day free trial needs a payment method. After it, your membership renews at the price shown at checkout until you cancel, which you can do anytime from your account. Subscription terms
Share this story
Know someone in Reading who follows town government? Share Townbrief Reading: they can sign up free.