Archived - Fiscal Year 2027 Town Budget Process is Underway

The original article was published from 12/4/2025 12:00:00 AM to 3/31/2026 11:59:00 PM

The fiscal year 2027 budget process has officially begun, and this year, Town staff started discussions earlier with the Selectboard to give members additional opportunities to hear directly from Department Heads during the initial presentations. This timing and structure allow for more dialogue up front and provide Department Heads the opportunity to clearly explain what is needed to maintain strong operations and services for our community. It also ensures that the Selectboard can fully see the range of options before deciding on priorities and adjustments.

"The intent of this approach is to promote thoughtful discussion and strategic decision making," Town Manager Chris Taylor notes. "Department Heads understand their service areas best and should be empowered to outline their needs and answer questions directly. This early and open communication helps ensure that the Selectboard has all the information necessary to evaluate what will best support Milton in the coming year."

Even though we are still early in the process, a few cost pressures are already noticeable. Taylor states, "Personnel costs are up due to contracts and market forces, insurance costs continue to rise across the board, and equipment, vehicles, and paving are more expensive than in years past. We are also beginning repayment of the bond for the new Public Works Facility, which is now reflected in the budget. Costs like these are always challenging to navigate because they are largely outside the Town’s direct control, and this year is no different. Our goal will continue to be finding a responsible balance that supports essential services while minimizing the impact on taxpayers."

Timeline

The budget discussions began with a Special Budget Meeting during the day on November 17. They continued in the Regular Selectboard meeting the same evening and in the Regular Selectboard Meeting on December 1. Upcoming budget discussions will focus on deliberations, and they are scheduled as follows. The public is encouraged to attend and participate in these discussions. 

• Special Meeting on December 8, 6 p.m.
• Regular Meeting on December 15, 6 p.m.
• Special Meeting on December 16 December 22, 6 p.m. (UPDATE: This meeting is canceled, as it is no longer needed.)

The Town expects to finalize the budget in early January. In the meantime, Department Heads, Finance Director Amber Baker, Town Manager Chris Taylor and the Selectboard will keep working together to build a budget that supports our growing community while staying responsible with taxpayer dollars. 

Once approved by the Selectboard, the proposed budget will be available at miltonvt.gov/vote

Video Recordings of FY27 Town Budget Discussions

• Selectboard Special Budget Meeting, November 17, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - View Recording
• Selectboard Regular Meeting, November 17, 6 p.m. - View Recording of Budget Discussion
• Selectboard Regular Meeting, December 1, 6 p.m. - View Recording of Budget Discussion