Milton is grappling with a $1 million deficit in its snow and ice budget following a series of winter storms, a financial hurdle that emerged just as town officials began navigating a complex FY27 budget cycle. Town Administrator Nicholas Milano reported during the February 24 Select Board meeting that health insurance costs have finally stabilized, allowing for a reduction in premium increases from 10% to 8%, which translates to roughly $255,000 in savings for the town budget. However, board members expressed concern that these savings are being overshadowed by the rising costs of maintaining basic infrastructure and underfunded municipal departments.

Member John Driscoll highlighted the deteriorating state of Milton’s streets, noting that some of these roads are awful and it’s not acceptable. While the Capital Improvement Planning Committee (CIPC) has recommended increasing the annual paving budget from $1 million to $1.5 million, Driscoll warned that even a $500,000 boost could be quickly consumed by mandated handicap ramp improvements at just a few intersections. Member Richard Wells echoed this frustration, arguing that municipal departments often feel like an afterthought during budget season. The majority of the town departments have been told for the last couple of years 'don't bother us, you get nothing,' Wells said. We are in the same boat again... while we scramble to shift every dollar to the school side.

Despite the pressure on the operating budget, the board acted to fortify the town's long-term reserves. Motion Made by R. Wells to increase the Operating Budget Stabilization Fund appropriation by 2.5% to $717,500. Motion Passed 5-0. Vice Chair Winston Daley noted that while the board is working through a three-to-five-year plan with the schools, the town needs to reach a point where it can reliably fund resources for the police and DPW.

The board also addressed the upcoming closure of Labouré College in August, which Chair Benjamin Zoll described as a significant loss for the healthcare workforce. However, the closure presents a potential opportunity for the town as it seeks a site for a new school building. As we are in the early stages of work with MSBA for a new school location, this building would fall under the purview of discussion as to whether it would be suitable, Zoll said, adding that the site could potentially save the town money.

In a historic move, the board honored Katherine Duny, the first woman to serve on and chair the Select Board, by dedicating a meeting space in her name. Motion Made by R. Wells to name the community room within the old fire station headquarters in honor of the first woman member of the then Board of Selectmen and currently Select Board, Katherine Duny. Motion Passed 5-0. Rick Neely spoke in support of the dedication, recalling Duny’s tireless work during the 1990s recession and her 22 years of service on the MWRA advisory board. She committed 40 hours a week to the town and set an excellent example for others to follow, Neely said. Her daughter, Libby Duny, thanked the board, stating the recognition really means a lot to me.

Addressing ongoing quality-of-life concerns, the board re-engaged with the fight against airplane noise. Newly appointed Massport CAC representative Paul Hogan described the current situation as an uphill struggle and a question of equity. Milton is enduring a much heavier share of arrivals and landings, Hogan noted. Katie Conlin, chair of the Airplane Noise Advisory Committee (ANOC), explained that the FAA has resisted implementing alternative flight paths that might shift traffic to other communities without their buy-in. To address this, Motion Made by R. Wells to authorize the Town Administrator and the Select Board Chair to work with Miss Conlin and Mr. Hogan on the drafting of a letter to be sent to the US delegation as well as Massport. Motion Passed 5-0. Additionally, Motion Made by R. Wells to appoint Member J. Driscoll as the liaison to ANOC. Motion Passed 5-0.

The board also filled key vacancies on the Master Plan Implementation Committee (MPIC). Member Meghan Haggerty nominated Mindy Darbalof, noting she was the deputy chief of staff for Governor Baker and is an incredible project manager, while Vice Chair Daley nominated Parks Commissioner Rob Levash, stating it's a good idea to have those plans intersecting regarding town-wide field space. Motion Passed to appoint Mindy Darbalof (5 votes) and Dick Burke (3 votes) to the Master Plan Implementation Committee. Discussion briefly touched on the Town Farm property, where Member Haggerty suggested that achieving Safe Harbor through other affordable housing projects, like the transitioning 116-unit development at 648-652 Canton Ave, might reduce the immediate need to move forward with Town Farm given its infrastructure difficulties.

Finally, Town Administrator Milano provided a winter storm update, noting that trash collection remained delayed and that crews were focusing on clearing school areas and business districts. Chair Zoll also took a moment to thank Amanda Serio for her service as she steps down from the School Committee, noting that her timing allows the town to fill the seat in the upcoming regular election rather than requiring a costly special election.