||| FROM THE DAILY MAIL |||
In South Hadley, a leafy East Coast community, residents will vote tonight on whether to approve a dramatic increase that could send bills soaring by as much as 50 percent.
Town officials say the measure is needed to save the school district, which faces deep cuts from a budget deficit that could eliminate sports programs and high-paying positions.
Town leaders say the tax hike would be phased in over five years and is unavoidable as they grapple with rising costs, including healthcare and declining state and federal support.
Without it, officials warn there will be deep cuts. That could mean scrapping school sports, extracurricular activities and college-level Advanced Placement classes, as well as reducing police and public works staffing.
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