In a pivotal vote for the town’s infrastructure, Town Meeting members approved Article 10, a $2,950,516 capital appropriation contingent on a Proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion override. The request covers critical needs across nearly every department, including $600,000 for schools, $550,000 for DPW equipment, and $109,616 for fire station repairs. Capital Planning Committee Chair Paul Hogan warned that these requests represent a narrowed list of $23 million in identified needs over the next decade, arguing that further delays would only increase long-term costs.

The discussion centered heavily on the mounting tax burden facing Milton residents. Member John Shields calculated that if the capital override passes alongside the proposed $2.2 million operating override, the average tax bill would jump by approximately $477, an 11.57% increase. Warrant Committee Chair Glenn Pavlovich estimated the capital portion alone would cost the owner of a median-valued home ($266,900) about $81 per year for five years. Member Peter Mullen urged a No vote, suggesting that asking for capital funds could sabotage the more critical operating override needed to maintain basic town services.

Supporters of the measure, including Katherine Duny, argued that the town cannot afford to let its assets deteriorate. Capital assets must be maintained to prevent higher costs later, Duny noted during the debate. The article also includes $250,000 for library roof repairs and $425,000 for town-wide data processing. The appropriation passed by the required two-thirds majority, though it remains "contingent," meaning the funding will only be secured if voters approve the debt exclusion at the ballot box.

Motion: To appropriate $2,950,516 for capital items (including DPW, Fire, Schools, and Library), to be raised via bonding contingent on a Proposition 2 1/2 debt exclusion override.

Vote: 2/3 Standing Vote (Declared by Moderator)