THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, October 17, 2025 Page 5 TAX | FROM PAGE 1 sentation, Spadafora said, “This is something that I have supported for many years, as have a number of my colleagues. I would hate to see an opportunity go by us to get this passed.” As it stands now, Malden is one of just 17 communities in Massachusetts that have implemented the 30% exemption. The number of municipalities that have the 35% exemption in place is much lower, with just four in all, according to an online report. There were some references to a parallel issue regarding property tax payments at this time, the proposed Proposition 2 1/2 tax override, which has been requested by Mayor Gary Christenson and is being considered and reviewed by the City Council’s Finance Committee. Ward 7 Councillor Chris Simonelli noted that if the city takes a different route and shifts the tax burden onto apartment building owners, they in turn would raise rents, “which Malden residents are already having a tough time paying.” Ward 6 Councillor Stephen Winslow said that if the 35% owner-occupied exemption is put in place, the estimated $300 savings to the average property taxpayer would be similar to the $360 estimated increase to the bill if the override is approved. The City Council was not obliged to vote on any formal matter regarding the proposal, as they were simply receiving Cramer’s information regarding a potential increase. Council President Amanda Linehan (Ward 3), acknowledging Councillor Spadafora’s and others’ remarks in support of such an increase from 30% to 35%, did indicate that the Council would like to hear the 35% figure as part of Cramer’s formal proposal to set the property tax rate for 2026. That recommendation will come as part of a public hearing set for October 28 at the regular City Council meeting. Concil’s Finance Committee met for further Prop. 2 1/2 override discussion Councillor-at-Large Carey McDonald told those in attendance that another detailed discussion was held at Tuesday night’s Finance Committee meeting on the proposed Proposition 2 1/2 override. City officials have requested the City Council to approve a measure that would place a ballot question for voters in late February asking that they approve a $5.4 million override. Mayor Gary Christenson has requested the consideration for an override as part of an overall plan to close an existing $8.4 million structural deficit in the FY25 budget. Councillor McDonald, who chairs the Finance Committee, said there was more productive discussion, as there was in last week’s similar meeting, which went on for two-plus hours. This meeting was just under one hour. He said there was more discussion with city officials on the city’s financial situation and ways to try and close the budget gap, like changing the municipal health insurance provider to align it with that of the state. Councillor McDonald also said there was discussion on restructuring the city’s pension plan and potentially raising some municipal fees. He said there would be a third Finance Committee meeting in as many weeks — next week— where representatives of Malden’s building department and economic development sectors would be providing information on proposals to expand the city’s tax base and the status of Malden’s development base. Councillor has questions on AI, formulation of Council meetings’ minutes Ward 4 Councillor Ryan O’Malley asked Malden City Clerk Carol Ann Desiderio if she used AI (Artificial Intelligence) in compiling the minutes of Council meetings, specifically the minutes of the September 30 meeting, where there was extensive discussion on many topics and angles by many Councillors. Specifically he recalled one topic in particular: “Do you use AI in compiling the meeting minutes? Councillor Spadafora, myself and, I believe, Councillor Winslow were part of a robust discussion of Senator [Jason] Lewis and Chapter 70 funding [by the state for schools] and the need to change the funding formula. I would have liked to have seen that included in more detail, considering its importance,” Councillor O’Malley said. City Clerk Desiderio told Councillor O’Malley that AI was not used in the process, but that she put them together herself. “We do not ever use AI in recording or presenting the minutes,” she said. Councillor O’Malley proposed an amendment to the minutes which would state that he and Councillors Spadafora and Winslow had strongly recommended that Senator Lewis, his committee and colleagues address the Chapter 70 formula and find a way to change it to better serve Malden and its education funding gap. BOO! Halloween Happenings in the Wards are coming A Haunted Forest this Saturday, October 18, at Pine Banks Park (1 Main St., Melrose) on the Melrose/Malden line will kick off a slew of Ward Happenings for Halloween; it is free of charge, it starts at 5:30 p.m. and is geared to older kids (teens) and adults, according to Ward 5 Councillor Ari Taylor. On Saturday, October 25, “Trunk or Treat” will at the Malden Bike Path on lower Canal Street from 3-5 p.m. with free treats and candy for all, according to Ward 1 Councillor Peg Crowe. A Halloween Party Day for younger kids will be held at Forestdale School on Sylvan Street on Sunday, October 26, from 3-5 free of charge. A Salemwood School Halloween Party for kids will be on Sunday, October 26, from 12-3 p.m. with games, prizes and candy, all free of charge, according to Ward 6 Councillor Winslow. Councillor Winslow congratulates Scott Gage, James Gage and Steven Lawrence for their Eagle Scout attainment, with all three celebrating at the Malden Moose this Saturday night. 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