Article 8, which appropriated $17,543,413 for Milton’s Public Safety departments, passed with a nearly unanimous vote, but not before the town’s fire and police chiefs detailed significant operational challenges. Fire Chief Chris Madden told members that the department is currently struggling to meet national NFPA standards, which call for four firefighters per apparatus. We currently run with three on engines and often only one on the ladder truck, Madden said, noting that his request for five additional firefighters would only bring minimum staffing to 12.

Police Chief John King highlighted a shift in the nature of local crime and service calls, identifying mental health crises, technology-based crimes, and domestic violence as the department's most pressing trends. While the approved budget adds a long-overdue IT position, King stated that he would ideally add a dedicated detective for cyber investigations and more personnel for community outreach. The discussion also touched on the town's lack of PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) revenue from major tax-exempt institutions. Town Administrator Nicholas Milano confirmed that BI Milton Hospital does not currently make PILOT payments, though it does pay taxes on its medical office building.

Motion: To appropriate $17,543,413 for Public Safety.

Vote: Passed 211-0-1