Save Our Stoneham (SOS) is a grassroots committee of Stoneham residents advocating for the only immediate, sustainable solution to Stoneham's budget crisis: the passage of a Proposition 2½ override on Tuesday, December 9th

SOS empowers residents to VOTE YES on a Proposition 2½ override, to VOTE YES to support those who support us and to prevent the long-lasting financial devastation of our town.

Stoneham is in the midst of an urgent budget crisis that has resulted in millions of dollars in cuts across town departments in recent years with millions more in cuts looming next year and every year after that. We don't yet know the amount or format of the Proposition 2½ override that residents will vote on on Tuesday, December 9th. What we do know is that without an override Stoneham faces deep and devastating cuts to our schools, public safety, public works, and vital community services.

Stoneham's costs are rising much faster than our revenues. By law, Proposition 2½ limits annual property tax increases to 2.5%, but the cost of running our town--driven by inflation, rising healthcare, and growing demand for services--has far outpaced that cap for decades. As a result, every department is facing major budget shortfalls that put core services at risk.

Residents need to come together and VOTE YES on an override of Proposition 2½.

The Select Board (SB) has voted to call a special election for Tuesday, December 9th, 2025 following the Override Study Committee's recommendation for an override. The exact amount and format of the ballot question are still being determined.

Public safety, schools, community services, and infrastructure are already stretched thin: we need more police officers, firefighters, teachers, and public works staff just to meet basic standards. If we don't act, residents will see fewer teachers and classes, fewer public safety staff on duty, eliminated programs, and deteriorating roads, sidewalks, and public spaces.