Milton leaders are weighing a potential reversal of the town’s recreational marijuana ban to capture up to $300,000 in annual tax revenue as they grapple with a persistent $1.39 million school funding gap. During a Tuesday night meeting of the Select Board, Chair Benjamin Zoll proposed rescinding the 2017 prohibition effective January 1, 2027, arguing that the industry has matured enough to provide a stable 3% local tax surcharge. However, the proposal met immediate resistance from colleagues who cited public safety and family impacts. Member Richard Wells, a former police chief, stated he is a hard no on the matter, noting that his professional experience left him with deep concerns about the long-term issues associated with legalization. This is not the same as opening a new restaurant, Wells added. Member Meghan Haggerty also expressed significant hesitation, cautioning that if the board proceeds, it requires exhaustive study and regulations to prevent youth access, while Vice Chair Winston Daley questioned whether the projected revenue would outweigh the potential negative social impacts.

The revenue debate arrives as Town Administrator Nick Milano provided a cautiously optimistic update on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. While the initial deficit was forecast at $2.5 million, Milano reported that a combination of higher-than-expected state aid and a plan to amortize $1 million in free cash over four years has narrowed the school department’s shortfall. Despite the progress, Haggerty warned that the current strategy might not be sustainable, stating, the solution for FY27 may not be repeatable for FY28 or FY29 and that a structural gap remains. Resident Beverly Ross Denny urged the board to reconsider the School Committee’s plan to build a $700,000 reserve in a single year, suggesting it be phased in to prevent staff layoffs. I hope that you can work with the schools to help them think creatively... this reserve can be built over two to three years instead of one, Denny said. Daley clarified that the Select Board has not mandated the immediate reserve, noting they have encouraged the schools to build it over five to seven years to prioritize immediate classroom needs.

Scheduling conflicts led to a rare change for the upcoming Annual Town Meeting. Town Moderator Liz Dylan requested a two-day delay due to an unmovable family obligation involving international travel. I fear I will not be back by Monday. I'm just requesting a simple delay of 2 days, Dylan explained. While Milano confirmed the high school was available for a mid-week start, Wells cast the lone dissenting vote against the change, arguing the move was unprecedented and required more public input. Motion Made by W. Daley to move the Annual Town Meeting start date to Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Motion Passed 4-1 (Yes: Haggerty, Driscoll, Daley, Zoll; No: Wells).

The board also revisited the contentious proposal for a Milton Village Local Historic District (LHD). Resident Joshua Wild characterized the designation as a regulatory taking in disguise that would cause bureaucratic stagnation for small businesses. Larry Lawler, Chair of the Local Historic District Study Committee, countered those concerns by asserting that such districts generally increase property values. Lawler argued that Milton Village, the town’s original industrial heart, currently lacks protection. Milton Village is the original heart of the town and currently lacks protection, Lawler said. Milano confirmed that any new projects in the district would require a dual approval process from both the Planning Board and the Historic District Commission.

In a departmental update, Council on Aging (COA) Director Christine Stanton highlighted a staggering 375% increase in membership since 2020. Despite serving 24% of Milton’s population, the COA operates on just 0.25% of the town budget. Stanton requested capital funding for a new bus to replace a 2015 model and an assistant director to manage the growing programming. That's not preservation, that's stagnation, Stanton said of the current facility constraints. Member John Driscoll praised the facility’s success but requested that visitors keep cars off the lawn during peak hours, while Wells reminded the public that the seniors served by the COA are the same residents who historically supported the overrides that built Milton’s schools.

Infrastructure and development projects also took center stage. Milano reported that the Fire Station Building Committee is requesting $1 million in design funds for the Atherton Street station renovation, with a full construction vote and debt exclusion question expected this fall. Regarding the "road diet" pilot on Randolph Avenue, Driscoll noted that traffic flowed surprisingly well during a recent snowstorm despite his previous criticisms of the bollards. Additionally, resident Matt Morang urged the board to advance development at the Town Farm site, emphasizing the need for housing at the 30% and 60% Area Median Income levels. It's rare that Milton sees any development proposal with affordability on this level, and we as a town should take advantage of it, Morang said. Following the public session, the board convened as Governor Stoughton Trustees to discuss Town Farm real estate in executive session. Motion Made by B. Zoll to enter into executive session to consider the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property. Motion Passed 4-0-1 (Yes: Driscoll, Daley, Haggerty, Zoll; Abstain: Wells).

In other business, the board formally adopted a new Select Board Code of Conduct. Motion Made by J. Driscoll to approve the second reading and adopt the Select Board Code of Conduct. Motion Passed 5-0. The board also approved the use of town space for upcoming community events. Motion Made by R. Wells to approve the application for the annual Strawberry Festival on June 13, 2026. Motion Passed 5-0. A separate application for a Ramadan light display at Manning Park was also approved. Motion Made by W. Daley to approve the Ramadan light display from February 17, 2026, through March 22, 2026. Motion Passed 4-0.