Town Administrator Nick Milano presented a $155.7 million recommended budget for fiscal year 2027 to the Select Board Tuesday night, describing a financial plan designed to put the town on firmer financial footing despite a looming 8% increase in health insurance premiums. The proposal, which represents a significant milestone in Milton’s post-override financial strategy, includes a $2.5 million appropriation for retiree healthcare (OPEB) and brings the town’s general stabilization fund above its 5% target. Milano noted that while town departments will see a 4% recurring increase, the budget also funds critical one-time investments in traffic calming, economic development planning, and the codification of town zoning. Motion Made by R. Wells to recommend the budget articles and the FY27 budget as presented. Motion Passed (5-0-0).

A key component of the budget strategy involves the formalization of a $500,000 Special Education (SPED) stabilization fund. Vice Chair Winston Daley reported on joint sessions with the School Committee and Warrant Committee, noting that leadership prioritized this reserve over using the funds for immediate operating costs or the town's significant snow and ice deficit. Daley explained that the fund allows the schools some flexibility if they have a rise in costs and provides a purposeful conversation stop point for future financial planning. Chair Benjamin Zoll, who recently announced he will not seek re-election, praised the coordination between departments, stating, The amount of transparency and cooperation at the budget level this year has been great... having a three-year plan points to the fact that we can be in a much better place in a few years.

The board also confronted a cliff dive in local media funding as representatives from Milton Access TV (MATV) detailed a 10% annual decline in cable subscribers. Executive Director Shane Brandenburg explained that streaming services use town infrastructure without contributing to the franchise fees that fund local programming. The streaming pretty much relies on infrastructure and cables, but they're not contributing or paying any fees, Brandenburg said, urging the board to support state legislation that would impose a 5% fee on streaming providers. Member Richard Wells, a sponsor of the legislation in the House, abstained from the vote but noted, As I am very shortly exiting my longtime role here with the town, I am very much cognizant of these things that locally wind up on my desk at the State House. Motion Made by W. Daley to send a letter of support for bills H.91 and S.2556 to the local delegation and the House Ways and Means Committee. Motion Passed (4-0-1).

The financial discussion was punctuated by a stern warning from resident and former Selectman James Dupont regarding state aid. Dupont argued that the long-term underfunding of Chapter 70 education aid forces Milton to rely on property tax overrides. You're not going to cost-cut your way out of this, Dupont told the board. If I sent you to the grocery store and said give me $20 worth of groceries and you came back and I said I only got $15, that doesn't work in the long run. Member John Driscoll, reflecting on recent infrastructure discussions, added a perspective on the hidden costs of utility companies using town roads: they don't complain, we don't have to plow snow for them.

Regarding town development, Milano provided an update on the Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI), revealing Milton currently stands at 7.4% affordable housing. While the town has enough projects in the pipeline to potentially surpass the 10% threshold required for Safe Harbor from unfriendly 40B developments, Milano cautioned that the 2030 census could change the denominator and move the goalposts. It's a positive that we at least have a way to slow down some of that production, Daley remarked. The board also reviewed a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for the former East Milton Fire Station on Adams Street. While the draft includes a $5,000 deposit, Daley questioned if that was sufficient to prevent a developer from walking away from a multi-million dollar asset.

In personnel news, the town is facing a transition in leadership as DPW Director Marina Fernandez announced her resignation effective May 8th. Tom McCarthy will step in as the interim director. Additionally, Milano introduced Cody Case as the new Assistant Town Administrator. Case told the board, I really look forward to learning, working with you all, supporting this board however I can. With three seats up for grabs in the April 28th election, Member Meghan Haggerty suggested implementing a buddy system for incoming members to navigate the complex $160 million budget. It can deepen our collegiality, Haggerty said. Wells cautioned new candidates that the role is not a casual commitment: It's a lot about rolling up your sleeves and just wading into the job... People think this is a part-time job... you're overseeing a $160 million budget.

Community highlights included the approval of an extended display for the Ramadan lights at Manning Park and a congratulations to the state champion Milton girls' hockey team. A parade for the team is scheduled for April 4th at 10:00 AM. Motion Made by W. Daley to approve the annual town election warrant for April 28, 2026. Motion Passed (5-0-0).