In response to the one-question poll about approving a 2017 Override:
The Milton Scene recently requested responses to a one question poll asking Milton Neighbors if they would approve an override of the 2017 budget. 275 Miltonites responded.
37% of respondents said they planned on approving an override. 50% of respondents said they would not approve an override, and 12% of respondents were unsure.
Milton Neighbors responses to a poll about how they will vote for a 2017 override.
Additional comments from Milton Neighbors about the 2017 override included:
“Prop 2.5 is not sustainable for Milton so overrides will continue to be necessary.”
“Once again ratepayers are asked to reward a dysfunctional town governments.”
“Lack of forward planning! Enough is enough.”
“It will depend on what services would be cut and why they say we got into this position in the first place. If it was something preventable, I wouldn’t want to vote for the override since it would be allowing mismanagement of money to continue.”
“Taxes too high already.”
“There have been too many overrides in this town! As it is, 81% of the budget comes from homeowners and this has to change.”
“My property taxes just took a BIG jump this year. I would have to move from Milton if there are any more tax increases.”
“Milton need more commercial income.”
“Need to know what will be cut, and how the town will address budget/revenue shortfalls in the future.”
“Which services will be cut vs. how much will taxes/fees be raised?”
I strongly encourage everyone to educate themselves about the town budget process – it is not mismanagement so much as it is a very small commercial tax base which some of us progressives in town are trying to change – by becoming town meeting members and keeping informed of what goes through the planning board etc…and we need more people to get involved rather than sit back and complain without bringing forward solutions. I don’t know anyone that wants to pay more taxes — but I also don’t know anyone that wants to see their property values decline as a result of town services being cut. Please tune in to town meeting as well as any of the budget presentations being made at our schools over the next few weeks.