A Property Tax Cap Is on the Ballot: Hollis Democratic Committee Advocates for Voter Suppression

By Representative Liz Barbour, Candidate Dr. Jim Kelly, Representative Jack Flanagan

A basic principle of our system of government is that broad voter participation strengthens our communities, and on November 3, every Hollis voter gets to have a say when it comes to limiting the growth of their property tax. 

A recent mailer distributed by the Hollis Democratic Committee claims that a small number of votes cast at the end of a late-night meeting represents the will of the entire town of Hollis. 

We assume most people realize that 223 votes do not equal the will of 6,581 registered Hollis voters. 

That distinction matters now because this November 3, the question of limiting the growth of school property taxes will not be decided by a few hundred people in a gym late at night. It will be placed before every Hollis voter on the general-election ballot during all-day voting.

If we truly want to know what Hollis voters think about limiting the growth of school property taxes, the answer is simple: Let every voter have a say. 

So, What Exactly Will We Be Voting On?

The Property Tax Relief Act, (Ballot Question 2), creates a two-year school property-tax cap designed to slow the growth of the amount raised from local property taxpayers, rather than freezing school spending. The proposed annual cap is the previous year’s tax, adjusted for inflation and growth in new-home construction. The law also limits central SAU administrative expenses to 6% of the overall school budget. As always, the way the budget is allocated is ultimately a matter of the school board’s choices and priorities—this is true whether there is an adopted tax cap or not. Local control (a core value for Hollis voters) remains intact. 

There are several safeguards built into the law. Voters retain the ability to override either cap with a three-fifths vote at the annual school district meeting. School boards also retain existing emergency-funding avenues, including seeking authorization for an emergency expenditure. Capital bond costs, including new and existing school construction bonds, are excluded from the caps.

For cooperative districts such as Hollis-Brookline, both towns vote on the question and their votes are combined to determine whether the district adopts the cap. The cap is not permanent; if adopted by the required three-fifths vote, it remains in effect for two years, after which voters decide whether to re-adopt it. 

All Hollis Voters Now Have a Say

More people vote at the November general election, giving far more Hollis residents an opportunity to participate than typically attend our annual school district meetings in March. 

Having this opportunity is important because many voters, including those who are disabled, or have small children, are unable to drive at night, and those who are traveling for work, have been shut out of town financial decisions because they cannot make an hours-long, weekday evening meeting that often stretches late into the night. For example, in March 2022, only 129 Hollis voters were present for the Hollis School District meeting where a $14.29 million operating budget was being considered.

The charts illustrate both the substantial financial decisions made at the annual school meetings and the striking difference in voter participation between the March annual meeting and the November general election.

Unfortunately, the Property Tax Relief Act has not been supported by both sides of the political aisle. Republicans fully embraced giving local residents a voice regarding capping property taxes, while House Democrats wholly rejected the premise. 

Even though this measure was signed into law, it did not prevent those who opposed it from challenging it in court. Fortunately, this case was dismissed at the county level and that decision was supported by the NH Supreme Court. Now the decision belongs to you–the voter.

Learn More About Education Funding

On October 20, our Common Sense for NH candidate team will host the third event in our Community Conversations series, Education Funding: What’s Driving the Cost? We’ll learn from legislators and policy experts where the money goes and what has driven spending increases over the past decade. This event is hosted by the Hollis Town Republicans and the candidate team of Barbour, Kelly, and Flanagan. Registration is required.

For event details, registration, information about the Property Tax Relief Act, and campaign updates, visit our website www.CommonSenseforNH.com.

Liz Barbour

State Representative, Hillsborough District 35Serving Hollis

Dr. Jim Kelly

Candidate, Hillsborough District 35, Hollis

Jack Flanagan State

Representative, Hillsborough District 45

Serving Hollis, Brookline, Mason, and Greenville