As summer begins to wind down and we head into fall, there has been a lot happening across Milton. Summer is always a busy season for Town staff, with construction projects, road and utility work, recreation programs and events, and our normal day-to-day services continuing throughout it all.
As we turn the calendar toward fall, I wanted to share a few updates on what our teams have been working on and what is coming next.
New Salt Shed Nearly Ready for Winter
One of the most visible projects nearing completion is the Town’s new Salt Shed. The building is nearly ready to be filled and put into service for the upcoming winter season.
The new facility will provide dedicated, modern storage for our winter road salt, improve operations, and better protect the material from the elements. Its additional capacity will also allow the Town to stockpile more salt ahead of the winter season, helping reduce our vulnerability to regional supply shortages like the one experienced last year and ensuring our crews have the material they need when winter weather arrives.
A special thank you goes to our Highway crew, who have put a tremendous amount of work into this project. From site work and preparation to assisting throughout construction and completing many pieces of the project themselves, their efforts have helped make the new facility a reality while keeping the project moving forward.
Winter Preparations Are Already Underway
Even though we are just coming out of summer, preparations for winter have already begun. Highway staff are beginning the annual process of getting our plow trucks and other equipment ready for the season, including maintenance, repairs, and inspections.
There is a significant amount of behind-the-scenes work that goes into having the fleet ready when the first snow arrives, and that work starts well before the temperatures begin to drop.
Keeping Milton’s Water System Running Smoothly
Our Water/Wastewater staff have also had a busy summer. Hydrant flushing is currently underway, so residents may notice crews working throughout the water system over the coming weeks.
In addition to the day-to-day work required to keep Milton’s water and wastewater systems operating safely and reliably, staff have played an important role in several larger projects over the past few months. They assisted with hydrant relocations and other water system work associated with the ongoing Hourglass Project and worked closely with the Champlain Water District to prepare for and minimize the impacts of a planned water storage tank shutdown for CWD maintenance.
Both efforts required significant coordination and planning to keep our system operating and minimize disruptions to residents.
New Perimeter Path and StoryWalk Open at Bombardier Park
One of the highlights of the summer was the official opening of the new Bombardier Park West Perimeter Path and StoryWalk.
The project was made possible in part through Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) grant funding and provides another accessible opportunity for walking, running, recreation, and enjoying the park. The StoryWalk, developed in partnership with the Milton Public Library and Friends of the Milton Public Library, adds another way for families to enjoy the space together.
The new path continues the Town’s efforts to expand accessible recreational opportunities at Bombardier Park.
Summer Recreation Winds Down as Fall Programs Begin
It was another full summer of camps, programs, community events, the Milton Farmers Market, and plenty of activity throughout our parks and facilities.
As summer programming wraps up, the Recreation & Parks Department is already moving into its fall schedule. The Fall Program Guide is now available, featuring programs and events for all ages, youth sports, community information, and more. Registration is open, and I encourage residents to take a look and see what is being offered this season.
Thank you to our Recreation & Parks Department staff, Buildings & Grounds staff, seasonal employees, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners who helped make another successful summer of programs and events possible.
Featured Upcoming Events:
Touch A Truck: Saturday, September 12, 12-3PM, Don Turner Jr. Milton Public Works Facility (160 Public Works Way), View Facebook Event >
Milton Activities Fair: September 17, 5:30-7:30PM, Milton High School, View Facebook Event >
After more than two years, Milton Rescue is anxiously awaiting the arrival of its new ambulance.
The Selectboard authorized the purchase on February 26, 2024, following a competitive bid process. At the time, the anticipated manufacturing timeline was approximately 910 days. The new Type I ambulance will replace an older Rescue unit and will closely mirror our existing ambulance, providing consistency for crews and equipment placement when responding to emergencies. Needless to say, we are looking forward to finally seeing it pull into the station.
Public Safety Teams Stay Connected with the Community
Our Police, Fire, and Rescue personnel had another busy summer responding to emergencies, supporting community events, participating in joint-training opportunities, and carrying out the everyday work that often happens without much public attention.
National Night Out on August 4th was another great opportunity for residents to interact with our emergency response personnel outside of an emergency setting and strengthen the relationships between our public safety departments and the community.
Back to School Means Sharing the Road
The end of summer also means school is back in session. With students returning to classrooms, school buses are once again making their morning and afternoon routes, and there will be more pedestrian and vehicle activity around our schools and neighborhoods.
Please give yourself a little extra time during the morning and afternoon commutes, keep an eye out for children walking or biking to school, and remember to stop for school buses when their red lights are flashing.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this another successful summer in Milton. There is a tremendous amount of work happening throughout the Town, and much of it is accomplished through the everyday efforts of employees who take great pride in the community they serve.
As we head into fall, I look forward to keeping everyone updated on the projects, programs, and work happening around Milton.
Below, find information and updates on VTrans projects that may impact Milton traffic.
Milton US-7 (Hourglass Project)
Installation of new traffic signals, mast arms, and additional lanes on US7. New Alignments and additional lanes on Middle Road and Railroad Street.
The Railroad Street/Middle Road intersection is currently a three way stop controlled intersection. This intersection reconfiguration project proposes removing the existing Middle Road and Railroad Street intersections with US-7 and constructing a new access road from Railroad Street to US-7. Visit the Project Website for more information.
Construction Updates
Community members can sign up at any time to receive weekly Construction Updates directly in their inbox by filling out this form.
Latest Update - September 19, 2026
TRAFFIC UPDATES: Keelty Crossing will remain closed. Drivers can expect flagged traffic and short delays within the project area.
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES: Through next week, the contractor will continue installing sidewalks and an infiltration trench and planting trees and shrubs.
Contact VTrans with any questions on this project. Please note: Contractors are to direct all inquiries to Contract Administration during project advertisement.
Project is for improvements to the US Route 2 and US Route 7 intersection and the US Route 2 and Interstate 89 Exit 17 intersections. Project also includes bridge replacement and corresponding roadway improvements.
The scope of this project includes reconstruction of the bridge structure off-alignment to the north of the existing bridge, reconfiguration of the southbound interchange ramps, modification of the existing northbound off-ramp, reconstruction of all three signalized intersections through the project, and roadway widening to accommodate additional turning lanes at the Chimney Corners Intersection. The Colchester Exit 17 Project was developed in part to address safety concerns that traffic on the northbound off-ramp may back up onto the high-speed travel way of the interstate during peak hours and due to the deteriorating condition of the US Route 2 Bridge over I-89. This project also addresses inefficiencies in traffic patterns at the US Route 2 and US Route 7 intersection (Chimney Corners) and at the I-89 southbound on-ramp. View the Project Fact Sheet
Construction Updates
Visit the Project Website, which is updated regularly with information regarding upcoming construction activities and traffic impacts. Community members can sign up at any time to receive weekly Construction Updates directly in their inbox by filling out this form.
Contact VTrans with any questions on this project. Please note: Contractors are to direct all inquiries to Contract Administration during project advertisement.
Public Information ConsultantExit 17 Project Information Team(802) 595-4399info@colchesterexit17.com
It is worth taking a moment to reflect on how we got here. The Hourglass Project has been in the works for many years and has involved a joint effort between state, regional and local agencies.
The intersection at Route 7, Railroad Street, and Middle Road was identified by the state as a high-crash area nearly 20 years ago. A detailed safety study in 2013 evaluated multiple options to improve the dangerous intersection, and the Hourglass design emerged as the best solution to address safety concerns while improving traffic flow.
There has been strong community support along the way, including voter-approved funding at multiple stages, as well as extensive planning, design, and coordination between VTrans and the Town to bring the project to this point.
Designed to Benefit the Community
From a traffic standpoint, the design is intended to reduce congestion, shorten backups, and distribute traffic movements more efficiently rather than funneling everything through a single point.
The project is also expected to improve access for pedestrians and cyclists, creating a more connected and accessible layout. Overall, this project is about making the intersection easier to navigate and reducing the risk of accidents. As an added benefit, it will create a Town Green, which will provide a central gathering space and focal point for the community while helping to form a more defined Town core.
While construction can be frustrating, this has been a thoughtful and deliberate process. In the long run, it represents an investment in a safer, more functional, and more connected community.
Winter Challenges Give Way to Spring Projects for Public Works
It has been a long and challenging winter for our Department of Public Works. The highway crew did a fantastic job managing conditions that were more severe than what we have seen in recent years. Crews worked long hours, often with little rest, while also navigating a regional salt shortage to keep Milton’s roads passable. At the same time, the Water and Wastewater Department managed extended periods of extreme cold and frozen pipes to ensure water service remained reliable throughout the community.
Both teams performed exceptionally well during the harsher months and will now be shifting their focus to spring and summer projects. We ask that you be mindful of their work as you travel around Town.
Upgrades Planned to Support Summer Recreation
The Recreation and Parks Department is preparing for summer programming and is working closely with the Buildings and Grounds team to get parks and fields ready for use.
Work on the Bombardier Park perimeter path will resume soon. Once complete, it will improve accessibility and support health and recreation opportunities within the park.
Additionally, the basketball court area is scheduled for an asphalt overlay and new paint this season, providing a welcome upgrade. As schedules are finalized, updates will be shared, including any temporary closures needed to allow for proper curing.
New This Year – Park Spruce Up Day Has Joined with Green Up Day!
In addition to removing litter from Milton roads and waterways, help us get Bombardier Park ready for the season by signing up for various tasks like clean-up, graffiti removal, raking, weeding, and more. Pick up your free Green Up bags from the Milton Municipal Building lobby from April 27 through May 1, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Check out the Green Up map to highlight the area you’ll be cleaning, and grab yourself a free Green Up sticker!
Then, join us on Green Up Day, Saturday, May 2, at the Bombardier Park East Pavilion from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. The Milton Conservation Commission and Milton Recreation Commission will be giving out FREE coffee, hot chocolate, and donuts, as well as trail brochures, extra Green Up bags, and more. Learn more on the Milton Recreation & Parks Facebook event post.
Caring for Our Parks as E-Bike Use Increases
As we look ahead to increased park use, we want to acknowledge a growing concern and ask for partnership from the community on the matter. While we encourage residents of all ages to enjoy our parks, there has been a noticeable increase in e-bike use in these spaces. The Town has been addressing recent property damage by e-bikes to our pavilions, field house restrooms and little league fields. It can be costly and take time to address these types of repairs, which can sometimes lead to temporary closures or limited access to affected facilities.
Our goal is not to discourage use, but to ensure parks and facilities remain safe, well-maintained, and enjoyable for everyone. We ask families and riders to be mindful of where and how e-bikes are used. With a little cooperation, we can continue to support active recreation while protecting these spaces for the long term.
As we move into the warmer months, we want to thank everyone for their continued patience, support, and engagement. There is a great deal happening across town, and we appreciate the understanding and cooperation that help keep things moving forward. We hope everyone has the opportunity to get outside, enjoy the longer days, and take full advantage of everything our community has to offer this season.
With gratitude and commitment,Chris Taylor, Milton Town Manager
The Town posted the position internally, structuring it as an added responsibility for a current staff member, with compensation adjusted accordingly and funded within the existing budget through personnel realignments and current vacancies. Following an interview process that involved the Town Manager, the HR Director and representation from the Selectboard, Amber N. Baker, the Town's Finance Director since 2022, was offered and accepted this new title. Amber will continue serving as Finance Director, with the Deputy Town Manager responsibilities added to her current duties.
About the Deputy Town Manager Role
Over the past decade, the Town of Milton has evolved in complexity to require the addition of a Deputy Town Manager as a second in command who will strengthen coordination, improve responsiveness and ensure multiple complex initiatives move forward efficiently.
Increased Complexity of Municipal Management: Regulatory and compliance requirements at both the state and federal levels have expanded significantly, creating new obligations in areas such as stormwater management and MS4 compliance, environmental permitting, procurement oversight, and detailed grant administration and reporting. In addition, large-scale infrastructure, development, and recreation projects now require extensive coordination among departments, state agencies, and regional partners. All of these functions, either directly or through shared oversight, are managed within the Town Manager’s Office.
Importance of Continuity in Leadership: For Milton, events over the past year highlighted the importance of organizational continuity with the unfortunate and untimely need to appoint an Acting Town Manager. The experience highlighted the value of maintaining internal leadership depth and underscored the importance of establishing a permanent structure that ensures operational stability and consistent management capacity regardless of circumstances.
This structure is common in Vermont municipalities of similar size, and it will help ensure important work continues to move forward smoothly.
About Amber N. Baker
Amber joined the Town of Milton staff in 2022, where she has consistently shown strong dedication to the Town’s work, with a clear focus on transparency, accountability, and the needs of both residents and staff.
Amber has worked in municipal government since 2004, bringing more than two decades of experience in local government finance and administration. She served as Town Treasurer for the Town of Georgia from 2004 to 2023, overseeing municipal financial operations for nearly 20 years. From 2019 to 2022, she also held the role of Town Administrator for the Town of Georgia, providing leadership across all aspects of municipal operations.
In July of 2024, Amber stepped up to serve for 11 months as Acting Co-Town Manager, alongside John Bartlett, while the Town navigated an incredibly challenging time. That experience, along with her extensive experience with municipal management, made her a strong internal candidate for this role.
Outside of her professional role, Amber is a mother of three boys, two of whom, like her husband, serve as firefighters, reflecting her family’s strong connection to public safety and community service.
As this is a new role, the Town will be working over the coming months to thoughtfully integrate it into policies, workflows and procedures. Any questions can be directed to Town Manager Chris Taylor.
As the days get shorter and the lights get brighter, our little town is starting to feel especially cozy. Whether you’re sipping cocoa at home, enjoying outside winter activities, or putting the finishing touches on your holiday plans, we hope this season brings you moments of joy, connection, and calm.
Find Some Holiday Cheer in Milton this Weekend
Tomorrow, December 6, cozy up with friends and family in front of the Milton Municipal Building to kick off the holiday season with the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting! There will be cookies, cocoa, Santa, music and more! Check out the facebook event from Milton Recreation for more information, and follow Milton Recreation & Parks for more upcoming events.
Can’t make it this weekend? There will be another chance to see Santa on December 21st with Milton Rescue! Take photos with Santa, enjoy hot chocolate, and see the trucks. Learn more here.
Giving Back to Our Community
November and December are always special months in Milton, when our community comes together to support one another and spread generosity. Here at the Town offices, our staff and departments are proud to contribute to local efforts that help ensure families have what they need during the holiday season. Below are several initiatives currently underway or recently completed.
MFCC Food Distribution and Thanksgiving Dinner Drive
On November 8, the Town partnered with the Milton Family Community Center (MFCC) to support families experiencing an interruption in SNAP assistance. A drive-through food distribution event was held at the Bombardier West Fieldhouse, providing food support to 97 families. Check out the facebook post from MFCC about the event.
Additionally, Town Office staff organized to help with MFCC’s Thanksgiving dinner drive, collecting enough items to assemble and donate 20 complete holiday meals. Thank you to everyone who donated, contributed time, and helped assemble the bags. Your generosity made a meaningful difference for Milton neighbors.
The Milton Police Department held its second annual Handcuff Hunger Food Drive on November 13 in front of Hannaford. Thanks to the outstanding support of the community, the event succeeded in filling the department’s trailer with 1,224 pounds of food and raising a substantial amount of monetary donations. All contributions were delivered to the Milton Family Community Center food shelf. Thank you to the entire Department for your leadership and dedication to this important cause.
Milton Fire Department: Operation Firecuffs Toy Drive
The Milton Fire Department is once again collecting toys through its annual Operation Firecuffs Toy Drive in support of the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital. The department is accepting unwrapped toys and gift cards through December 17. We appreciate the firefighters’ continued commitment to helping children and families have a brighter holiday season. Learn more and get ideas for donations on this post from the Milton Fire Department.
Make Way for Safe Winter Operations on Milton Roads
As we enter snowy season, I want to remind everyone that the Town of Milton follows a “Safe Roads at Safe Speeds” policy – not a bare roads policy. This means that during a storm, roads are plowed, sanded, and salted to keep them open for travel, but road surfaces may be snow covered at times. Our Public Works Highway team will begin plowing between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m., depending on conditions, to maintain safe passage. Drivers should expect less than perfect road surfaces during storm events and are encouraged to allow extra travel time and adjust speed accordingly.
Please remove any personal items from the Town right of way and avoid placing items such as trash bins near the roadside during storm events. These items can interfere with snow removal operations and may cause damage.
The fiscal year 2027 budget process has officially begun. Initial discussions between Department Heads and the Selectboard have concluded (learn more about the process so far) and upcoming discussions will focus on deliberations. Upcoming meetings are scheduled as follows, and the public is invited to attend and participate.
Special Meeting on December 8, 6 p.m., Community Room in the Milton Municipal Offices
Regular Meeting on December 15, 6 p.m., Community Room in the Milton Municipal Offices
Special Meeting on December 16 December 22, 6 p.m., Community Room in the Milton Municipal Offices
We expect to finalize the budget in early January. In the meantime, Town staff and the Selectboard will continue working together to build a budget that supports our growing community while remaining responsible with taxpayer dollars.
Stormwater Utility Ordinance Now in Effect
The recently adopted Stormwater Utility Ordinance (PDF) has completed the hearing and appeal process and officially took effect on November 15. Establishing this utility opens new opportunities for how the Town manages stormwater in the future, including the potential acceptance of certain private stormwater systems. As state and federal regulations continue to become more restrictive for municipalities, having the utility in place will allow us to adapt more quickly and unlock potential funding sources to help offset associated costs.
Friends of the Library Raffle
The 2025 Friends of the Library Basket Raffle is underway. Local individuals, businesses, and organizations have created themed baskets to be raffled off as part of this fundraiser. Each basket features a theme and includes a book along with items related to that theme. Baskets are now on display in the library, and residents may purchase raffle tickets through December 15. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. All proceeds directly support the Milton Public Library. The drawing will take place on Tuesday, December 16. For more information and updates, follow the Milton Public Library on Facebook for more information.
The holiday season always reminds us how lucky we are to be surrounded by neighbors who show up, pitch in, and care for one another. We hope the weeks ahead bring you plenty of laughter, good company, and quiet moments of peace. Stay warm, stay connected, and we’ll see you around town!
With gratitude and commitment,Chris Taylor, Milton Town Manager
The Selectboard of the Town of Milton does hereby ordain:
Pursuant to the provisions of 24 V.S.A. Chapters 59 and 101, 24 V.S.A. Appx. ch. 129 § 104(b)(3) (Town Charter § 104(b)(3)), and other such general enactments as may be material thereto, on September 15, 2025, the Selectboard adopted the Town of Milton Stormwater Utility Ordinance with minor amendments to a number of sections that are described below. Among other provisions, this Ordinance establishes a Stormwater Utility and defines the regulations for the control and operation of Stormwater Services of the Town’s Department of Public Works.
The Town of Milton Stormwater Utility Ordinance shall become effective on November 14, 2025, unless a petition signed by not less than 5% of the qualified voters of the Town requesting an Australian ballot vote on the question of repealing the Ordinance is filed with the Town Clerk on or before October 29, 2025. The full text of the Ordinance may be viewed at the Town Clerk’s office or on the Town’s website at www.miltonvt.gov/stormwaterutilityordinance-adopted
For more information, contact: Chris Taylor, Town Manager, Town of Milton 43 Bombardier Road, Milton, VT 05468802-893-6655ctaylor@miltonvt.gov
Article IV on Milton's 2026 Town Meeting ballot (PDF) asks, "Shall the Town assess a one percent (1%) local option tax on sales, meals and alcoholic beverages, and rooms, pursuant to 24 V.S.A. § 138(b)?"
If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to Town Manager Chris Taylor at ctaylor@miltonvt.gov or at 802-891-8020.
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Message from Town Manager Chris Taylor regarding the Proposed 1% Local Option Tax:
"The Town and the Selectboard are actively looking for ways to lessen the burden of funding municipal operations from resting almost entirely on property owners. The Local Option Tax is one option that allows the Town to shift how those same operational costs are funded, without increasing the overall amount of revenue needed.
"Today, most municipal services and infrastructure are funded through property taxes. The Local Option Tax provides a way to spread a portion of those costs beyond local property owners by capturing revenue from non-residents who regularly use Milton’s roads, services, and infrastructure. With Route 7, one of the busiest roadways in the state, running directly through town, Milton sees daily use by commuters, visitors, and shoppers who benefit from local infrastructure but do not pay property taxes here.
"At the state level, there are ongoing discussions about how heavily property owners shoulder the cost of education and ways to mitigate that through other existing revenue paths. While those conversations are separate from this proposal, they highlight a broader recognition that relying almost exclusively on property taxes creates challenges. It is reasonable for the Town to also examine whether adjustments at the local level make sense in the current environment.
"Placing the Local Option Tax on the ballot does not mean the Town or Selectboard is seeking to increase the overall tax burden. It reflects an effort to look openly at whether existing costs can be funded differently, reduce pressure on property owners, and distribute a portion of those costs more fairly among those who use and benefit from Milton’s services.
"Putting this question before voters ensures transparency and allows residents to decide whether this approach is appropriate for Milton."
It’s been a busy month here in Milton. As we say goodbye to the long, sunny days of summer and welcome the crisp air and vibrant colors of fall, I’m proud to share that great things are happening throughout town. We are making steady progress on projects that promise lasting benefits for our community.
This Saturday: Touch-a-Truck and Public Works Facility Open House
Join us this Saturday, September 13, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m., for Milton’s annual Touch-a-Truck event, which is combined with an open house of the Don Turner Jr. Public Works Facility. Children and adults alike will have the opportunity to explore construction vehicles, emergency response equipment, and other heavy machinery up close. Visitors will also be invited to tour the brand new Public Works Facility and meet the staff who keep our community running smoothly. We look forward to seeing you there.
Public Hearing Next Monday: Proposed Stormwater Utility Ordinance
Mitigation for stormwater runoff to support clean waterways has become increasingly regulated by the State of Vermont over the past several years. In order to put the framework in place to manage these restrictive and costly state requirements, the Town has presented a proposed Stormwater Utility Ordinance (PDF) for potential adoption by the Selectboard. Adopting this ordinance will align Milton with many other Chittenden and Franklin County municipalities that have taken similar steps to support clean and healthy waterways in Vermont.
With the school year now underway, school buses are once again a part of daily traffic. Please use caution, allow for extra time on the roads, and remember that passing a bus with its red lights flashing is both illegal and dangerous. The safety of Milton’s students is a responsibility we all share.
Recreation’s Fall Program Guide Now Available
The summer season may be winding down, but new opportunities are right around the corner. The Milton Recreation and Parks Fall Program Guide was published in the August printed edition of the Milton Independent. The Guide is full of programs for all ages and interests, from fitness classes to family activities. If you have ever wanted to try pickleball, now is your chance. Registration is open on the Recreation and Parks website, and we encourage you to take advantage of what our recreation team has put together.
Construction Begins Soon on the ADA Compliant Perimeter Path
We are also excited about getting closer to construction on the new mile-long ADA-compliant perimeter path at Bombardier Park. This project is tentatively scheduled to begin in October. Once finished, it will provide a safe, accessible walking path that will serve residents of all abilities. When complete, it will be a true community asset for recreation and wellness.
Supporting Families with Summer Meals
Summer can be a difficult time for families when school-based meals are not available. This summer, Hunger Free Vermont partnered with and Essex Westford School District (EWSD), to help ensure that families had consistent access to nutritious meals through their Free Vermont Summer Meals program. The Town of Milton hosted a Thursday meal box pickup site at Bombardier Park West, where more than 50,000 meals were distributed. Each box contained a week’s worth of breakfasts and lunches for children under the age of 18.
This program eased financial pressure, reduced the risk of hunger, and ensured children continued to receive healthy meals. The scale and success of this initiative show what is possible when local organizations and the Town come together with a shared purpose.
This project was built almost entirely through community volunteerism. More than 100 volunteers contributed over 1,000 hours of time, along with equipment, materials, and donations valued at tens of thousands of dollars. Without that generosity, the project would have cost the Town between $75,000 and $110,000. Instead, the Town’s direct expense was under $5,000. The new trails are not only a recreational asset but also a powerful reminder of what Milton residents can accomplish together.
Hourglass Project Update
Work continues on the Hourglass Project at the intersection of Railroad Street and Middle Road. Utility relocations and other preparation are underway, and the project remains on schedule to begin major construction in the 2026 season. Once complete, Milton will have a safer intersection and a central green space in the heart of town that can be enjoyed for generations.
Roadway and Infrastructure Work Wraps Up as Town Prepares for Winter
Our Department of Public Works (DPW) Highway crew has been busy wrapping up summer projects across town. This includes roadway improvements, stormwater system work, and maintenance efforts that keep our infrastructure functioning smoothly. As we move into the fall, the DPW team will be transitioning to seasonal responsibilities such as roadside clean-up, drainage work, preparing equipment, and ensuring that roads and facilities are ready for the colder months ahead.
Paving is also scheduled to take place at the end of this month. Roads to be paved include portions of Beartrap Road, Hunting Ridge Road, Steeplechase, Fox Run, and Middle Road. Follow the Town’s facebook page for notifications and updates. We ask residents to watch for crews at work and allow extra time for travel if you are in these areas.
Join Us in Shaping Milton’s Future
As we head into the colder months and spend a little less time outdoors, I encourage residents to consider joining one of our Town committees or attending an upcoming Selectboard meeting. These are meaningful ways to be involved in shaping the future of Milton. A list of current vacancies and instructions to apply are always available on the Employment page of the Town’s website under “Volunteers for Boards, Commissions, Committees”.
We are fortunate to live in a town with strong community spirit, active volunteers, and residents who care deeply about their neighbors. Thank you for all you do to support Milton and for helping us continue to build a community that we can all be proud to call home. Together we are Milton.
With gratitude and commitment,Chris Taylor, Milton Town Manager
"After a thorough and thoughtful process, we have reached a decision on who will succeed Don Turner as our next Town Manager. This is a role we never expected to fill so soon, and I want to take a moment to acknowledge the profound loss our community has experienced over the past year. Don’s passing left a void not only in our town government but in the heart of Milton itself.
"From the outset, the board recognized that Don could never truly be replaced. Our goal was to find someone who shared his deep commitment to public service and his passion for Milton. We believed the best path forward was to look within—to find a candidate who already understood the challenges we face, the progress we’ve made, and the vision we hold for our town’s future.
"That vision has remained consistent: to build a welcoming, vibrant community where public safety, infrastructure, and essential services are delivered with excellence and fiscal responsibility. We’ve also made economic development a priority, ensuring Milton continues to grow and thrive.
"Some have questioned whether we should have conducted a broader search, bringing in someone with no prior ties to Milton. Ironically, many of those same voices praised Don as an exceptional Town Manager and agreed he was irreplaceable. Once people understood that the Town Manager’s role is to carry out the board’s vision—not to set it—many came to support our decision to focus on internal candidates. As a board, we knew we couldn’t afford the time or risk involved in training and relocating someone unfamiliar with our community.
"Throughout this process, each of us has received countless calls, emails, and personal messages from residents. The overwhelming sentiment was not opposition to any candidate, but strong support for Chris Taylor. I want to thank everyone who reached out to share their thoughts and perspectives. I also want to express my gratitude to all four candidates—each of whom brought dedication and talent to the table. Any one of them would have served Milton well, and I know they will continue to do so in their current and future roles. In fact, during the process, each candidate expressed that if they weren’t selected, they hoped Chris would be. That speaks volumes about their character and about Chris’s readiness to lead.
"With the board’s vote to enter negotiations, Chris will be required to resign from the Selectboard. Per our charter, the board will appoint an eligible individual to fill the vacancy until the next legally warned annual meeting. Since Chris submitted his application, he has not been involved in the selection process. As Chris also serves in the state legislature, the board will vote on whether we wish for him to continue in that role following the outcome of negotiations.
"We are hopeful that Chris will officially step into the Town Manager role in the coming weeks. Please join me in congratulating him on this new chapter. I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our entire staff—especially John Bartlett and Amber Baker—for their outstanding leadership and dedication over the past 10 months. You’ve shown that nothing will deter us from 'getting stuff done' for Milton."
On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, the Town of Milton officially unveiled the Don Turner, Jr. Public Works Facility, named in honor of Milton’s Town Manager whose leadership and vision made this possible. This special event featured the ceremonial ribbon cutting by Don’s immediate family along with remarks from the highway superintendent Eric Gallas and the Selectboard Chair Darren Adams.
The over 27,000-square-foot building located on a 6.7 acre parcel of land adjacent to Bombardier Park will be the new home to Milton’s highway department and buildings and grounds department, bringing Town services and equipment to a more central location and closer to other municipal buildings. The Town began moving into the building in mid-October, in time to prepare for winter operations.
Milton Selectboard Chair Darren Adams shared the following remarks at the ribbon cutting ceremony:
"There are many people to thank for this, first and foremost: The citizens of Milton, who in 2022 overwhelmingly voted in favor of the $5.5M bond for this project, Krebs and Lansing Engineering, Wiemann Lamphere Architects, Connor Contracting, our public works team, building and grounds team, town staff, and Don Turner who contributed greatly to this day...
“This has been a long time in the making. For decades, the old facility has been inadequate to serve the needs of our community and the increasing demands placed on our public works team…This facility is five times the size [of the current Icehouse facility], at over 27,000 square feet, and has multiple capabilities we did not have:
A maintenance facility [for our mechanic to maintain fleet vehicles and equipment]
A wash bay, which increases the lifespan of our equipment
A climate-controlled bay to keep several millions of dollars in equipment out of the elements
Increased salt storage from less than 400 tons to 2,000 tons, which now means we have covered storage for the entire year…
Covered storage for 3,000 tons of sand, which was previously stored outside
Room for our building and grounds team and their equipment, which were previously scattered between multiple sites
A more geographically centered [location]…
“This could not have happened without the leadership and vision of Town Manager Don Turner. Shortly after the voters approved this facility, the cost of just about everything doubled. We were faced with a multitude of financial challenges, and there were days when it looked like they would be insurmountable. Here are just some of the pieces he made possible:
Repurposing $1M of ARPA funds toward the facility
The six-acre site, worth well over $.5M, cost the taxpayers nothing, in an agreement with the Brault family which makes development of adjacent property possible. This also means much needed quality, affordable housing units will be built nearby.
That made it possible for the Town to purchase almost three additional acres to expand Bombardier Park and our recreational needs
A grant from the State of Vermont for $500K to build properly covered salt and sand storage…
Over $300K from the sale of the Kienle Road property, which was no longer needed to store Town equipment and is now going to be developed
$300K from the Water/Wastewater Enterprise fund, which through connection fees and development will be paid back to the fund
Grants from VEPSE and PACIF totaling over $100K
Most importantly Don entrusted and encouraged [highway superintendent] Eric Gallas and his team of professionals to perform all the site work in-house, at the same time maintaining all the Town’s existing infrastructure and daily needs. They moved several hundred cubic yards of material off the site and replaced it with several hundred cubic yards of the appropriate material. Allowing this site to support the building, the operations, and to meet modern environmental criteria that did not exist at the old facility. This alone saved the Town well over $600K.
“I just listed over $3M of additional funds, which Don led the effort to obtain or save. There is a reason why ‘getting stuff done’ is so prominently placed on these walls. When Don became our Town Manager, that was his charge to all the staff. In two years, he managed to complete a project that was originally discussed before I was old enough to vote…
“…Mr. Milton, as he is sometimes called, has devoted his heart and soul to making Milton a better place, to live, work, and raise a family, because he views this community as his family – and as such, worth fighting for every day. His daughter Emily recently told me he has been ‘giving every piece of himself to this town for his entire life.’
“As you know Don is not able to participate in this ceremony, he is working on a different fight, one none of us could have imagined, one he is fighting with the same level of dedication he has fought for all of us…As soon as it was known he was fighting this new battle, multiple people approached me and the other board members to recommend naming this facility after him…
“He was excited to know this massive project was complete. I reminded him it would not have been possible without his hard work. As with everything else, I could tell he did not want the credit, but it is well earned, and we would not be standing in this amazing facility without him…
“Naming this building in his honor is the very least we can do to honor his dedication and devotion to all of us and will stand as a symbol of getting stuff done for generations to come.”
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The Town will plan to hold an open house event at the new facility in the spring of 2025. Please send any questions to townmanager@miltonvt.gov
You can view the full ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony here:
It was recently brought to the Town’s attention that there is conflicting financial information in the FY22 Annual Report. After investigation, the Town found this to be a clerical error. During the investigation, additional concerns were addressed to the Selectboard and the Town Manager. The following are responses to those questions as they were presented to the public.
It was recently brought to the Town’s attention that there is conflicting financial information in the FY22 Annual Report (link below). After investigation, the Town found this to be a clerical error. On page 104, on the “General Fund Comparative Revenue and Expenditure Report”, the numbers shown in the expenditures section of the column labeled “FY22 Actual” are inaccurate. This clerical error only appeared on this page of the Annual Report and did not impact any of the calculations in the official financial reports reviewed by the auditors.
Accurate FY22 Actual Expenditures can be found on page 65 of the FY22 Annual Report in the auditor’s report, which presents the “Schedule of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes in Fund Balance (Schedule 1)” for the Town. The numbers on page 65 are consistent with the FY22 Actual Expenditures presented in the detailed FY24 Budget Proposal, which was also available for download on the Town’s website for Town Meeting 2023.
The FY23 Annual Report is currently in progress and will be released in mid-February. The “General Fund Comparative Revenue and Expenditure Report” page will be updated to reflect the correct FY22 Actual Expenditures, and a notation will be included regarding the error from the FY22 Annual Report.
In the meantime, the Fiscal Year 2025 Proposed Town General Fund Budget can be found on the Town’s website at http://www.miltonvt.gov/Finance.
Each year, the Town’s finances are audited by an independent outside auditing firm. A representative for Sullivan, Powers and Co P.C. will be attending the regularly scheduled Selectboard meeting on February 5, 2024 to present the FY23 annual auditor’s report to the Selectboard. We encourage the public to attend.
The Town always welcomes questions and feedback from the community, especially with regard to financial reports. If you would like more information or if you have further questions, please reach out to the Town Manager Don Turner at 802-893-6655 or dturner@miltonvt.gov.
A message from Town Manager Don Turner, as a follow-up on the post from last week regarding the error in the FY22 Annual Report [see above]:
First, I would like to express my gratitude that this error was brought to our attention. We have an excellent team that strives to present accurate and helpful information to the public. While we deeply regret that a mistake of this nature occurred, we appreciate that we had the opportunity to investigate it and correct it as swiftly as possible. The integrity of our data is of utmost importance to the Town of Milton, as it reflects on the integrity of the institution itself.
I would like to further assure residents that the Town has investigated the discrepancy and reviewed internal processes to ensure that it does not happen again to the best of our ability. As previously reported, this discrepancy was a clerical error on a spreadsheet that was separate from our financial operating system. We have corrected the issue, and the numbers are now in alignment with the Schedule 1 in the auditor’s report. Furthermore, we have implemented new controls in the process to prevent similar errors from occurring in the future. Going forward, these types of informational documents will be prepared by the Finance Department and reviewed by the Town Treasurer before the Annual Report goes to print.
I understand that errors such as this can be a cause of concern for residents. I have spent many years earning your trust, and transparency is a key tenant of that trust. To date, our internal reviews have only identified discrepancies that are clearly clerical errors on budget documents outside of the Town’s financial operating system. While our internal reviews have produced no evidence of potential fraud, as an added assurance, I have requested additional reviews by multiple parties.
First, I have asked the Town Treasurer, an elected official, to review the Annual Schedule 1 going back to 2016 to verify the accuracy of the information. Secondly, I have hired NEMRC to independently review documents in the Town’s financial operating system for any irregularities. They will report findings to the Selectboard at the meeting on February 5, in conjunction with and prior to the independent auditor’s report. If there are any irregularities or indicators of fraud identified by these independent reviews, I will recommend that the Selectboard hires a consultant to address these items immediately.
As the chief administrative officer, I believe the Town to be in excellent financial condition. We have strong internal financial controls, commonly known as checks and balances, as well as talented staff that follow our policies and the Administrative Code, as the auditor will report on February 5.
If anyone has any additional questions, I encourage you to please contact me at 802-891-8021 or at dturner@miltonvt.gov. While I understand that social media is a popular method of communication for many, and it does provide a level of transparency, it is not possible to monitor and engage with every social media conversation thread as they often span multiple platforms and groups. The Town’s Social Media Policy prevents this type of engagement for this reason. If any concerns are brought to me directly, I’m happy to respond in a public meeting or privately, based on the preference of the concerned party.
Don Turner, Jr.Milton Town Manager
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The errors in question and other financial concerns were discussed at the Selectboard Regular Meeting on February 5, 2024. View the recording of this meeting below. Key timestamps are as follows:
0:50 FY23 Audit Report Presentation
1:21 Presentation from Town Treasurer and NEMRC Review
2:10 Presentation from Town Treasurer and NEMRC Review (continued)
Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in 2021 to address the public health and economic crises caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Relief funds were distributed to eligible cities, towns and villages based on a formula established in ARPA, and the Town of Milton received ARPA funds totaling $3,237,504.22. Federal and state guidelines allow Towns to distribute funds at their own discretion, and the Milton Selectboard has been committed to investing one-time ARPA funds to get the greatest long-term benefit for the community.
Summary of Process
At the Selectboard meeting on July 5, 2022, the Milton Selectboard adopted a process to provide an objective and transparent format to compare possible uses for the funds, and to encourage individuals and organizations outside of the Town to present ideas. At the time, the Selectboard had appropriated/encumbered $1,049,553.00 – with funds committed to the new public works facility, rescue chief position, and funding a number of capital purchases. This left $2,187,951.22 remaining to be appropriated/encumbered.
Outside entities seeking funds were asked to complete and submit an application by a deadline of October 3, 2022. Departments and committees within the Town also submitted proposals for project funding. The Selectboard received 13 applications from outside entities, with funding requests totaling $1,802,101, as well as 18 applications from Town departments/committees, with funding requests totaling $5,658,644. On November 7, 2022, a public review of the applications was held as part of a regular Selectboard Meeting, during which applicants were given the opportunity to address the Selectboard regarding their applications and to respond to questions. Each Selectboard member reviewed every application and scored them independently based on a rubric. The total scores were tallied, and the applicants were ranked in order of their consolidated scores. The Selectboard used this ranked list as a guide to deliberate and decide on the use of the remaining funds.
When this process began, the Selectboard planned to announce decisions on how ARPA funds would be distributed before the Town budgeting process began in late November 2022. However, outstanding issues delayed this decision.
First, the Town was involved with a settlement agreement that first required the Selectboard to form a committee (the Committee for Evaluating Suitability of Existing Town Property and 10-Acre Parcel Owned by the Brault Family Trust for a Multipurpose Recreation Facility) to determine if the Town needed to purchase additional land. The Committee came back with a recommendation to purchase the property in question. As a result of this recommendation, the Selectboard delayed making a decision on how ARPA funds would be distributed, in case it would need to be used toward the purchase of the land. Since that time, the Town has been negotiating with the adjoining property owner to purchase the parcel of land. At the Selectboard meeting on February 6, 2023, the Town was able to agree on a sale price to purchase 3.9 acres of the property adjoining Bombardier Park at $500,000. ARPA funds will be used for this purchase.
The other outstanding issue that delayed a decision regarding ARPA was the revised projected cost to build the public works facility, which has been increasing due to industry-wide rising in construction costs for both labor and materials. The goal all along has been to raise the necessary funds to build the facility without going back to the taxpayer for additional resources. It was known that building the infrastructure (water, sewer, electricity and roadway) from Bombardier Road to the building site of the new facility would be a significant cost driver. In addition, it was widely known that this infrastructure would serve the entire Brault property creating future economic development opportunity for the Town. The Selectboard previously appropriated $350,000 toward the infrastructure for the project. Today, facing the increasing shortfall in needed funds to complete this project, the Selectboard has decided to invest an additional $700,000.00 for the expansion of infrastructure to serve lots #1, 2 and 3 of the Brault property. With future modifications to the water, sewer and impact fee ordinances, the Town may be able to recoup these funds from connection and other associated fees on this property as it is developed later.
Decision on Distribution of Funds
The Selectboard appropriated $604,760.05 of the ARPA money to stabilize property taxes by investing in capital projects, such as outreach services, interim staffing costs, a server replacement, HVAC equipment, a tandem dump truck, a police cruiser, a fire truck and a self-contained breathing apparatus filling station for the fire department. These investments will help keep the tax rate down for years to come.
After many twists and turns, appropriation of the remaining funds are to be utilized as the Selectboard had stated very early in the process. That is by investing one-time ARPA funds to get the greatest long-term benefit for the community. The nearly two and a quarter million dollars will be invested in real estate (the Grange Hall and a 3.9 acre portion of lot #3 Brault property), a feasibility study for a future multi-purpose recreational facility, the construction of infrastructure (water, sewer, electric and roads for the public works facility), renovations to Town property (the Grange Hall, the museum, Town offices), storm water utility related expenses (ordinance creation and projects), economic development projects (Downtown core grant, creamery clean-up, redevelopment of the Town Forest trail, and the Inclusion Festival) and improvements to Bombardier Park.
Statement from the Selectboard
ARPA provided the Town with a unique and wonderful opportunity to invest significant one-time funds that would provide long-term benefits for the community. The Selectboard has not wavered in our commitment to this goal, and we have treated the decision for how to use these funds as a significant responsibility.
When this extensive process began, the Selectboard had no outside guidance, but we knew we wanted to get public input. We are grateful that so many put forth the effort to make applications for these funds. Having gone through this process, we better understand the public’s desire in the community for more recreation, more open space and for a commitment to downtown and economic growth in the community. Even though we ultimately could not fund all of the projects submitted, we are committed to exploring ways to keep the Town moving forward in these efforts. This might include finding ways for the Town to provide financial assistance for these types of activities.
Again, we want to thank the public for your participation and for your patience with this process. We believe we have made decisions that will leave a lasting legacy for the Town while also providing tax savings for residents, and we look forward to seeing the future growth and development of the Milton community.
Milton’s Selectboard: Darren Adams (Chair), Michael Morgan (Vice-Chair), John FitzGerald (Clerk), Bready Steady, Chris Taylor