Town Administrator Nicholas Milano informed the Select Board on Tuesday that Milton has identified $425,000 in unexpected savings for the FY27 budget, primarily driven by a significant reduction in general insurance costs. The windfall allows the town to fund several long-standing requests, including a $120,000 civilian Police Technical Support Coordinator to manage records and body camera software. Milano noted that our cost for workers' comp and liability is going to drop significantly, enabling the town to pivot toward strategic investments. Other proposed uses for the funds include $60,000 for a comprehensive economic development plan and a $120,000 traffic calming policy and plan, leveraging existing DPW engineering funds.

Member Meghan Haggerty expressed support for the shift toward proactive planning, noting that these items align with our priorities for the year. With the economic development plan and traffic plan, we can be proactive and not reactive. Vice Chair Winston Daley agreed, highlighting that the police technical position has been a priority for years due to its role in facilitating the use of body cameras. However, Member John Driscoll offered a word of caution regarding the economic development push, warning that when you target an area, it's a snowball effect. Before the residents realize what could be coming, it's too late. Chair Benjamin Zoll questioned if the town could leverage older traffic data, asking, On the traffic calming plan, I know there was a big traffic study done right before the pandemic that sat on the shelf. Is there a way to leverage that material? Milano clarified that the 2019 study is dated and the new plan will focus on a framework for future deliverables.

The positive budget news was tempered by the reality of a $1.5 million deficit in the current year’s snow and ice budget, fueled by several holiday and weekend storms. Milano reported that the town spent roughly $500,000 on salt and materials alone. We're looking to eat up as much of that deficit within existing year appropriations, Milano said, adding that department heads have been instructed to freeze non-critical spending. The board also grappled with a request to move $500,000 into school reserves. Vice Chair Daley voiced hesitation, stating, I am struggling with this ask. I haven't seen them confirm their plan for their reserves. I'd like to see their plan for reserves over the next four years. Chair Zoll suggested the Special Education (SPED) Stabilization Fund as a compromise because it requires joint approval for expenditures, which encourages continued dialogue between the town and schools.

In a report on the town's physical infrastructure, Consolidated Facilities Director Tom McCarthy detailed the massive scale of maintaining 962,934 square feet across municipal and school buildings. McCarthy identified rapidly rising costs and the integration of AI into building management systems as his primary hurdles. A motor that we probably had to buy two years ago is double the price this year, McCarthy said. My biggest fear is that they are all coming around at the same time. Member Driscoll praised the maintenance staff, noting the exceptional cleanliness of the schools during recent town meetings despite the heavy winter workload.

The board also took aim at the United States Postal Service over ongoing parking issues in East Milton. Residents have complained that postal vans are occupying one-hour public spots for days at a time, particularly during snowstorms, and the lack of standard license plates prevents the town from issuing tickets. It seems like they're taking advantage of you, Member Driscoll said. Motion Made by W. Daley to identify the appropriate supervisor and send a letter regarding non-compliance, copied to the congressional delegation. Motion Passed (4-0).

The meeting concluded with a significant personal announcement from Chair Benjamin Zoll, who confirmed he will not seek re-election this May. Zoll, who works at a school of public health, cited a dramatically increased professional workload. I probably spend 15 to 20 hours a week on town work, Zoll said. For the sake of my family and career, I don't think it's possible to give this job the time it requires. Vice Chair Daley thanked Zoll for his service, noting he was one of the first people he consulted before running for office himself.