Milton Budget Coordination Committee: October 30th, 2026

The Milton Budget Coordination Committee met on October 30, 2026, to review FY26 closeout, first-quarter results, and the FY28 budget outlook. The town’s $6.4 million in general-fund free cash was certified, along with enterprise-fund balances; the schools reported a balanced FY26 budget and $1 million in a special revolving account. The committee also reviewed preliminary forecasts, including expected revenue growth, a projected school-budget gap, and rising debt service. No votes or contract awards were recorded. The town increased its snow-and-ice budget from $160,000 to $250,000. A possible acquisition of the Labber property, subject to a town vote, could add maintenance costs beginning in January or February.

Capital and purchasing matters included a $2.4 million lower turf-field project that is out for bid, and draft school IT and facilities requests being reviewed for the upcoming capital process. The schools confirmed Chromebooks continue to be funded through capital, while considering reduced classroom use and future requests. The committee discussed a library project estimate of about $19 million, with approximately $3 million applied for through the Community Preservation Committee and estimated debt service of $1.9 million; these figures were described as preliminary, not recommendations. School transportation-company contracts are expected to be reviewed as part of future budgeting. The committee also discussed possible future taxpayer funding decisions, including use of the operating budget stabilization fund and potential capital asks, without taking action.