Milton officials are staring down a projected $2.5 million deficit for the 2027 fiscal year, a gap driven by rising healthcare costs and a stark divide between available revenue and local department requests. Town Administrator Nicholas Milano reported that while revenue is forecast to grow by 3.4% to $150.9 million, expense requests have surged to $153 million, largely due to a projected 10% spike in health insurance premiums. The shortfall has reignited tension over the sustainability of Milton's financial model. Member Meghan Haggerty noted that during joint finance meetings, it became clear that the rate of growth on the school end is at a greater pace than what we have going on for the town and what was established under the override. She cautioned that further pencil sharpening would be required before the May Town Meeting.

Vice Chair Winston Daley addressed concerns regarding potential staffing impacts, noting that rumors of 26 position cuts have rattled parents. We want the school community to know our goal is to keep schools healthy, but we need a long-term practice for balanced budgets, Daley said, acknowledging that the schools requested a 5% increase compared to the town’s 2.3% guidance. Milano echoed this, stating that a 5% recurring increase for schools is not something the town can afford based on our financial outlook. We need to find a sustainable pathway.

The long-term solution to these recurring gaps remains a point of contention among the Board. Chair Benjamin Zoll argued that the town must move beyond its dependence on homeowners. The financial foundation of this town is not sustainable in the long run with over-reliance on residential taxes, Zoll said. We need a bigger and broader commercial base. However, Member Richard Wells expressed skepticism about significant commercial expansion, noting the town’s geographical constraints and the 5,500 acres of protected green space in the Blue Hills. The ability to develop commercially in any significant way is never going to happen, Wells countered. It's going to be a battle.

Infrastructure and school planning continue to move forward despite the fiscal headwinds. Sean Rooric, Chair of the School Building Committee, presented enrollment certifications required by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) for the Cunningham and Collicott school projects. The figures include a ,1285-student capacity for a potential renovation or addition. These numbers include adjustments for students expected to return to the district once overcrowding is addressed and for new housing developments, Rooric explained. Motion Made by W. Daley to approve the enrollment certification and authorize Chairman Zoll to sign the document. Motion Passed (5-0).

The Board also previewed the May 4 Annual Town Meeting warrant, which may include a significant expansion of property tax exemptions. Milano detailed the HERO Act options, noting that adopting Section 5C 1/2 could double exemptions for the elderly, blind, and surviving children, at an estimated annual cost of $300,000. Chair Zoll requested more data on the proposal, indicating the Board would revisit the tax relief measure at their next meeting. Regarding capital projects, the Board leaned toward bringing a final disposition deal for the East Milton Fire Station to the Fall Town Meeting rather than seeking general authorization in May. Member Haggerty noted she would be inclined to shoot for Fall Town Meeting once a request for proposals is complete.

Traffic safety efforts on Route 28 also received a progress report following recent winter weather. Member John Driscoll, initially a skeptic of the Road Diet pilot, praised the changes to Highland and Reedsdale. I live it, and I think it’s unbelievably changed for the better, Driscoll said. I don't hear racing at night; people are obeying the speed limit. Milano noted that No Left Turn signs are now in effect during evening rush hours, though Member Wells requested further tweaks to address access issues for residents living between Reed Street and Pleasant Street.

In other business, the Board advanced a new Select Board Code of Conduct to a second reading. Chair Zoll described the policy as a tool to help navigate sticky situations and emphasize collegiality. Vice Chair Daley asked if the code applied outside of formal sessions, to which Zoll replied that you are still a Select Board member even when you walk out the door, including during social media interactions. Motion Made by W. Daley to move the select board code of conduct to a second reading at the next select board meeting. Motion Passed (5-0).

The Board also formally renamed the Marbella restaurant project at 10 Bassett Street to Julian's Kitchen and Bar. Member Wells welcomed the progress, calling it an opportunity for commercial revenue. Motion Made by W. Daley to approve the change to the DBA for 10 Bass Street LLC to Julian's Kitchen and Bar. Motion Passed (5-0). The meeting opened with a somber tribute to Harold Gene Brown, a long-time advocate for the town who tracked Logan Airport noise for 45 years. Airplane Noise Advisory Committee Chair Katie Conlin noted that Brown provided vital data to the town until age 93. He expressed the hope that others will now continue the fight for justice and fairness regarding aircraft activity over Milton, Conlin said.