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Board of Finance approves Milford Board of Education budget on 3–2 vote
Summary
The Milford Board of Finance voted 3–2 to approve the Board of Education’s $118,952,091 budget for 2026–27, a 4.328% increase that board members said balances contractual obligations and student needs while others warned of taxpayer strain.
The Milford Board of Finance voted 3–2 to approve the Board of Education’s proposed $118,952,091 budget for fiscal 2026–27, a 4.328% increase over the prior year.
Board of Finance member Lauren moved to approve the education budget “as presented at $118,952,091,” and the motion was seconded and carried after discussion. Chair put the question and announced “Motion carries.”
Why it matters: Education is the largest line item in Milford’s budget—board members said it accounts for roughly 55% of the city’s expenditures—and the vote sets spending priorities for staffing, special education services and school maintenance going into the next year.
Supporters said the request is restrained and targeted. Board member Lauren said she was “in full support of the Milford Board of Education’s recommended budget,” calling it a “fiscally responsible and reasonable request” that identifies about $1,750,000 in savings while preserving core supports such as school safety, academic support and the Right to Read literacy program.
A fellow committee member praised the Board of Education’s facility plan and consolidation proposal, telling colleagues the plan would save taxpayers an estimated $11,600,000 compared with maintaining three middle schools and would allow construction of new East Shore and West Shore facilities.
Opponents flagged the increase as disproportionately large. Another committee member said Milford’s increases have outpaced surrounding towns and urged a more restrained approach to avoid “greater strain on our taxpayers and imbalance across city priorities.”
Several members focused on the proposed safety officer positions. One committee member said that removing the safety-officer request lowers the net increase to about 3.5% and supported hiring the positions only with careful vetting of candidates.
What’s next: With the Board of Education budget approved, the Board of Finance proceeded to consider the rest of the city budget. The education operation lump-sum appropriation was treated as satisfied by the vote on the board’s recommendation.
Ending: The Board of Finance moved on to consider city departmental budgets and enterprise funds following the education vote.
