Finance director outlines Milton’s 2027–2037 capital plan and proposes $5,461 impact fee

Amber N. Baker, Deputy Town Manager and Finance Director, presented Milton’s Capital Improvement Plan for fiscal years 2027–2037 and proposed an impact fee of $5,461 — a $200 increase from the current schedule — at a public hearing Monday evening.

Baker told the Selectboard the 10-year plan prioritizes investments including road paving, new public safety vehicles and municipal equipment. "Proposed impact fees were set at $5,461, a $200 increase to ensure new developments fund their share of growth-related infrastructure," Baker said. She answered questions from Selectboard members about the plan and the fee schedule during the hearing.

Why it matters: impact fees are charged to new development to help cover the cost of growth-related capital needs. If adopted, the proposed increase would raise the per-unit fee charged to new development in Milton and direct more revenue toward transportation and public-safety projects identified in the CIP.

The presentation summarized major categories of planned work and capital replacements over the next decade, with staff emphasizing pavement projects, replacement cycles for emergency vehicles and investments in municipal equipment. The town manager and finance staff provided the proposed fee amount and its rationale; Selectboard members asked clarifying questions but did not move to adopt or amend the fee during the public-hearing session.

The public hearing was opened and closed by Vice Chair Michael Morgan; the hearing record notes that documents and a video of the meeting are posted online by town staff. The Selectboard did not take a formal vote on the plan or the impact-fee schedule at the session. Next steps noted by staff are continued review and formal consideration at a future Selectboard meeting, where the board may vote on adoption or further amendments.