Select Board members are closing in on a solution for the FY27 budget gap, announcing a significant reduction in the projected deficit from $2.5 million to $1.5 million. Town Administrator Nick Milano detailed a strategy utilizing $1 million in free cash, intended to be amortized over four years, alongside a $225,000 increase in state aid. Milano proposed a 3.3% budget increase for both town and school departments, noting the plan involves shifting some school health insurance costs to separate funds. Member M. Haggerty cautioned that while progress is being made, the fix may be temporary, stating, the solution we're looking at for 27 is not necessarily repeatable, and emphasizing the need for a long-term plan for 2028 and 2029.

Seeking new revenue streams to address future shortfalls, Chair B. Zoll suggested a warrant article to rescind the town’s prohibition on recreational marijuana dispensaries. Zoll estimated the move could generate between $150,000 and $300,000 annually through a 3% surcharge. It occurred to me that... it was almost 10 years ago that the town took a preemptive vote to ban these establishments... many towns that we like to compare ourselves to do have access to this revenue, Zoll said. However, the proposal met immediate resistance from the board. Member R. Wells stated he was a hard no on the matter, citing public safety and long-term lingering issues associated with legalization. Vice Chair W. Daley and Member M. Haggerty also expressed hesitation, with Haggerty noting she had a thousand questions about how such establishments impact similar communities.

The board also approved a shift for the 2026 Annual Town Meeting schedule. Town Moderator Liz Dylan requested the start date be pushed from Monday, May 4, to Wednesday, May 6, 2026, due to an unavoidable international family obligation. I have a unmovable family obligation that will cause me to travel out of the country and I fear I will not be back by Monday, Dylan explained. While most members felt the four-month notice was sufficient for members to adjust, R. Wells argued the change was unprecedented and suggested waiting for feedback from the town meeting membership. Motion Made by W. Daley to move the 2026 Annual Town Meeting start date to May 6, 2026. Motion Passed (4-1) with Wells casting the dissenting vote.

Council on Aging (COA) Director Christine Stanton provided a stark update on the town’s aging population, reporting a 375% increase in membership since FY20. With nearly 4,000 members, the COA now serves approximately 24% of Milton's residents. Our membership today... is a 375% increase since fiscal year 20, Stanton said, noting that the current facility and parking lot are at maximum capacity. Member J. Driscoll acknowledged the strain on the site, remarking, I'm not admiring the people parking on the lawn... but it's a very good thing for all the elderly in Milton. Stanton’s FY27 requests include a new bus and office furniture, though staffing requests for an assistant director remain level-funded. R. Wells praised the department’s advocates, noting they are often the same residents standing out holding signs for overrides.

Tensions surfaced during a discussion on the proposed Milton Village Local Historic District (LHD). Resident Joshua Wild, a local property owner, characterized the LHD as a regulatory taking in disguise that would create stagnation for small businesses by adding bureaucracy and costs. LHD Study Committee Chair Larry Lawer countered that the plan, four years in the making, would protect the site of the nation’s first industrial water power without curtailing industry. It has not been proven to be a curtailment of industry; it has helped raise the property values, Lawer argued. Milano clarified that projects would require both Planning Board and LHD Commission approval. R. Wells supported moving the matter to Town Meeting, stating, Let the town meeting have a voice on this.

Other warrant updates included a $1 million design request for the Atherton Street fire station, which aims to expand from two bays to five. The board also reviewed a proposal from the Historical Commission to redefine demolition to include significant structural alterations. During public comment, Matt Morang of the Milton Housing Authority urged the board to act on the Town Farm site, noting it has been nearly two years since development proposals were received. I urge you to take action and realize the intent of this gift, Morang said, highlighting the need for deep affordability. Resident Beverly Ross Denny questioned the $700,000 school reserve fund, asking if it was a mandate from the town or state. W. Daley clarified the board is not mandating the reserve but suggested building it less aggressively to protect current service levels.

The board finalized its own internal governance by approving an updated Select Board Code of Conduct. Motion Made by J. Driscoll to approve the Select Board Code of Conduct. Motion Passed (5-0). Routine approvals were granted for the June 13 Strawberry Festival and a Ramadan light display at Manning Park. Motion Made by R. Wells to approve the application for the Strawberry Festival on June 13, 2026. Motion Passed (5-0). Motion Made by W. Daley to approve the application for the Ramadan light display. Motion Passed (4-0). Regarding the Randolph Avenue project, Milano reported ongoing coordination with MassDOT, while J. Driscoll noted that despite his desire to see bollards removed, traffic flowed pretty good during a recent two-foot snowstorm.