Your Voice: Milton dept. heads urge vote for new CIP

To the residents of Milton:

The Milton Department Heads are asking the residents for their support on Election Day, March 10. The proposed operating budget (Article 6) represents the essential needs of the departments to accomplish our goals. The town has been operating under a default budget since 2013, which has impacted the services for town residents.

There are several additional warrant articles that need your support. Article 7 is a cost effective way to obtain the much needed highway trucks. Article 8 will help maintain our roads. Article 9 will move us closer to replacing our dilapidating fire station. Article 10 will help us replace the 1973 grader which is no longer repairable. Article 11 will fund a municipal playground for our children. Article 12 supports the work of the Milton Free Public Library. Article 14 will prepare us for the future computer and radio needs of the Police Department.

The most important warrant articles this year are Articles 15, 16 and 17. Articles 15 and 16 dissolve the existing nonfunctioning capital improvement plan (CIP) and Article 17 strictly allows the new CIP to be prepared and amended by the Planning Board. A properly structured CIP will help to level fund taxes for years to come. The Department Heads have worked diligently since early summer researching, meeting, and educating themselves and others on the particulars of a CIP. Simply put, it's an effective way to budget the capital needs of the town without creating spikes in our tax rate.

As Department Heads, we heard your concerns. The proposed budget, as well as the warrant articles, was carefully thought through to create the least amount of impact to the taxpayers. Please vote in support of the departments by voting yes on the CIP, for the proposed 2015 budget and warrant articles. Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact any Town of Milton Department Head or a member of the Board of Selectmen.

Betsy Baker, Public Library Director

Michelle Beauchamp, Town Clerk/Tax Collector

Brian Boyers, Code Enforcement Director
Karen Brown, Parks & Recreation Director

Rachael Cote, Welfare Director
Richard Kraus, Chief of Police

Nicholas Marique, Fire Chief
Pat Smith, Director of Public Works
Kathy Wallingford, Assessing Director