We, the undersigned residents of Newburyport, respectfully petition the Mayor and City Council to prioritize responsible spending and actively work towards reducing budget expenditures.

Over the past decade, Newburyport's taxes have alarmingly increased by 47%. This substantial rise has placed a significant burden on many in our community, particularly young families and seniors. Residents are struggling to meet the skyrocketing costs of essential goods and services, including food, gas, utilities, home expenses and repairs, healthcare, and insurance. This is further compounded by the fact that Social Security benefits for seniors have only increased by 2.5% over the same period. The cost of living in Newburyport is increasingly disproportionate to residents' incomes. While property assessments have risen, the desire of most Newburyport residents to remain in their homes remains steadfast.

Currently, seniors comprise nearly 40% of Newburyport's population. Projections from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate this number is expected to grow to 47% within the next 20 years. This demographic shift underscores the urgency of addressing the financial challenges facing our community.

As upcoming budget considerations are deliberated, we implore the Mayor and City Council to prioritize expense reduction and work towards stabilizing the tax rate. We believe that responsible fiscal management is crucial to ensuring the long-term affordability and vitality of Newburyport for all its residents.