Milton Town Meeting members authorized a $6,596,100 capital budget under Article 3, prioritizing infrastructure and road maintenance while deferring several other facility improvements. The appropriation will be funded through a combination of $5,380,100 in borrowing and $1,216,000 from free cash. Town Administrator Nicholas Milano noted that the town was able to increase road funding to $1.5 million this year, though it came at the cost of postponing projects at Brooks Field and various other town facilities.

The decision to borrow for these projects aligns with the sobering financial forecast delivered by Warrant Committee Chair Jay Fundling earlier in the evening. Fundling warned that municipal expenses are growing at 4.7% annually while revenue only increases by 3.1%, leading to a projected $6.4 million shortfall by 2030. To bridge this gap, the town has relied on the Operating Budget Stabilization Fund (OBSF), but Fundling cautioned that an override may be necessary by 2028 or 2029 if the current spending pace continues.

Motion: To appropriate $6,596,100 for capital projects, with $5,380,100 from borrowing and $1,216,000 from free cash.

Vote: Passed 219-1-1