The Milton Select Board convened as the Governor Stoughton Trustees this week to confront a sharp rise in local poverty, authorizing $245,000 in emergency grants to help residents struggling with escalating costs. The decision came amid a sobering presentation from Town Administrator Nick Milano, who revealed an initial $2.5 million structural deficit for the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, driven largely by a projected 14% spike in employee health insurance premiums.

During the trustees' session, local advocates described a community under significant financial strain. Pat Brophy of the Milton Community Food Pantry told the board that the volunteer-run organization serves the town's most vulnerable, noting, Without this support, many would not survive. Noreen Dolan of the Milton Residence Fund reported a staggering increase in demand, with 90 more requests for help than this time last year. Dolan explained that the fund, which previously distributed roughly $15,000 monthly, is now providing up to $41,000 a month to families facing fuel assistance delays and food insecurity. We received $130,000 this year and have only $9,000 left, Dolan said.

Board members expressed alarm at the data, with Member Richard Wells noting that many residents are unaware of the quiet crisis unfolding in town. Most people have no idea what goes on behind the scenes or who uses these services, Wells said, adding that he sees hard-working young mothers in scrubs struggling to make ends meet. Chair Benjamin Zoll attributed the local hardship to federal policy shifts, stating, The Trump administration's decisions to cut benefits to benefit the wealthy while starving the working class creates this crisis. We will help our neighbors gladly, but we must decry the inhumane administration in Washington that attacks our town directly.

Motion Made by R. Wells to fund the grant request for the Milton Community Food Pantry in the amount of $90,000. Motion Passed (5-0). Motion Made by R. Wells to approve a grant request from the Milton Residence Fund in the amount of $155,000. Motion Passed (5-0).

The financial pressure on residents is mirrored in the town’s own preliminary budget. While property taxes are estimated to bring in $3.8 million in new revenue—aided by growth from the Blue Hill 40B project—the town is staring down a $2.5 million gap. Milano explained that health insurance costs, initially estimated at a 7% increase, are now tracking closer to 14%. We are self-insured, so a few high-cost claims significantly impact us, Milano warned, adding that while some carriers are dropping coverage for expensive weight-loss medications like GLP-1s, the overall trend remains steep. He emphasized a cautious approach to local receipts, noting, We need to ensure we aren't funding recurring expenses with one-time spikes.

The town’s infrastructure needs are adding to the fiscal weight. Milano reported that the Department of Public Works is seeking to increase annual road funding from $1 million to $1.5 million. Member Wells supported the increase but remained skeptical of its impact given rising costs, stating, A million doesn't get you anything these days. The board also took steps toward the eventual disposition of the East Milton Fire Station by commissioning a professional valuation of the property. Motion Made by R. Wells to approve the proposal from LandVest for appraisal services for the East Milton Fire Station in the amount of $9,250. Motion Passed (5-0).

In public comment, Precinct 10 resident Loy Walker brought forward a decades-long frustration regarding the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) management of Truman and Blue Hills Parkways. Walker described a mystifying lack of maintenance once the state-managed roads cross into Milton, noting that streetlights remain a mismatched collection of incandescent and small LED bulbs. As soon as you pass the entering Milton sign on Truman Parkway, the street lights are a mix of incandescent... and the smaller LED lights, Walker told the board. Member John Driscoll acknowledged the frustration of living in a no man’s land regarding state communication, though he noted some recent improvements in road plowing. The board directed Milano to draft a letter to state legislators and the DCR to demand a dedicated point of contact for Milton residents.

Health Director Caroline Kinsella also provided an update on the town’s $1.3 million opioid settlement windfall, of which $400,000 has already been received. The funds are being used for Narcan distribution, recovery coaching, and sober living scholarships. Member Meghan Haggerty asked if the department was seeing the crisis impact local seniors, specifically grandparents who are caring for grandchildren due to the opioid crisis. Kinsella noted that while specific cases haven't yet reached her social work team, it is a priority for the department. The discussion also touched on the town’s pest control efforts, with Kinsella confirming that Milton does indeed have a rat population that requires regular property inspections. Chair Zoll questioned if the rise in sharps disposal was linked to weight-loss drugs, to which Kinsella responded, I think so. We also see it when people are cleaning out the homes of deceased relatives.

The board rounded out the evening with several administrative actions, including the approval of a lease agreement with the United Congregational Church for the Wildcat Den. Motion Made by M. Haggerty to approve the lease agreement with the United Congregational Church for the Wildcat Den. Motion Passed (5-0). In committee news, the board appointed Robert Hiss to the Capital Improvement Planning Committee, Brian Howells to the Municipal Broadband Committee, and Judy White Orlando to the Traffic Commission. Motion Made by R. Wells to nominate Robert Hiss to fill the vacancy on the Capital Improvement Planning Committee. Motion Passed (5-0).

In his final report, Milano mentioned that the town recently hosted filming for a Walking Dead sequel at Stella’s in East Milton Square, and warned residents of a large 5:00 AM concrete pour scheduled for the 40B project on Wednesday.