52:04A major topic of discussion was the financial situation of Milton’s schools, including the potential impact of a proposed budget override. Members expressed apprehension about the override, which would be the largest in 30 years, and debated the sustainability of the current school budget, which had seen increases of 9% and 14% in recent years. Concerns were raised about the impact on families if the override failed, as it could necessitate immediate budget cuts, particularly concerning staffing levels and educational programs.

02:13:31A concern was the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to address budget shortfalls, which some members viewed as a temporary fix rather than a sustainable solution. There was a analysis of how the schools had managed these funds, with comparisons to other departments, notably the Department of Public Works. This comparison highlighted the broader issue of reliance on reserve funds and underscored the need for a more strategic approach to budget management.

The committee also discussed the implications of potential cuts on school staffing, with particular attention to special education costs. It was noted that if the override did not pass, the district might face a $1 million budget shortfall for FY26, leading to potential staff reductions. This raised questions about the prioritization of educational needs and the long-term sustainability of current funding strategies.

17:07In addition to school funding, the committee examined the replacement of Engine 2 for the Milton Fire Department. The fire chief’s email detailed the necessity of replacing the aging engine, purchased in 2012, to maintain the department’s operational readiness. The chief praised the town’s mechanic for extending the lifespan of the department’s apparatus, which had become costly to repair due to aging.

21:57The committee also explored various vehicle requests from the Department of Public Works, identifying several vehicles at the end of their useful lives. These discussions were part of a broader conversation about capital requests, which included the necessity of purchasing generators for public buildings like the Glover School and the library. Members debated the priority of these purchases, particularly in light of other financial demands on the town.

02:26:06A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to assessing the town’s approach to budget management and transparency. Members expressed frustration with the lack of detailed financial information from the school department compared to other town departments. This lack of transparency made it difficult to identify redundancies and assess the necessity of various positions, complicating efforts to manage the budget effectively.

03:01:34The committee’s role in the upcoming override vote was another topic. Members debated whether they should take a formal position on the override, with some advocating for neutrality to maintain their role as independent advisors.