Haverhill recently experienced its largest tax hike in decades, putting pressure on homeowners and small businesses already struggling with inflation and rising costs. This tax increase is a sign of deeper issues in City Hall’s budgeting practices:

Short-Term Fixes: Quick solutions to cover gaps instead of long-term financial planning.

Inefficient Spending: Without a clear public audit, it’s unclear which programs provide real value to taxpayers.

Risk to Homeowners: Continued reliance on tax hikes threatens affordability and could drive families out of Haverhill.

Residents deserve better than being handed the bill for financial mismanagement.

A city budget that is transparent, sustainable, and protective of taxpayers. Property owners should not face constant tax hikes because of poor planning. Haverhill must live within its means, just as families do, and prioritize spending on the services that truly matter — schools, public safety, infrastructure, and community well-being.

Full Citywide Financial Audit

- Conduct a line-by-line review of spending to identify waste and inefficiencies.

- Publish audit results so taxpayers know where their money is going.

Protective Budgeting

- Prioritize essential services first: schools, public safety, infrastructure.

- Freeze or cut non-essential spending until long-term stability is achieved.

No More Surprise Tax Hikes

- Establish a fiscal policy that prohibits large, last-minute tax increases without exhausting other options.

- Require City Council to adopt multi-year budget forecasting to anticipate challenges before they hit taxpayers.

Long-Term Revenue Planning

- Encourage responsible development that increases the tax base without overburdening infrastructure.

- Expand grant-seeking and partnerships with state/federal agencies to fund projects without relying on property taxes.

Accountability & Transparency

- Publish an annual “Taxpayer Report” showing where every dollar is allocated and what outcomes were achieved.

- Hold public budget forums to involve residents directly in financial planning.