Milton SAU spending is out of control, too costly for taxpayers

To the editor:

If Milton's current proposed School Budget passes, please prepare yourself for a substantial tax increase. I am mot sure how many people are able to afford this type of increase.

The School Board and SAU proposed a $13,274,963.74, with a Default Budget of $13,226,216.41.

Their budget proposal is $48,737.34 over the Default Budget

With their proposed budget and projected Revenues of $5,580,570, including $500,000 from their Special Education Capital Reserve Fund, their new estimated Tax Rate would be: $8.08.

That would be an increase of $1.00 per $1K above their current Tax Rate of $7.08, a 14.11% increase in the school tax rate.

That increase would have an estimated property tax increase on the Median Home Value in Milton ($403,400) of $403.40

They have three different potential Tax Cap Budget Proposals at 2%, 5%, and 8% Caps.

On January 8, 2026, the Budget Committee approved a proposed School Budget of $12,862,855.71, which is within the 8% Tax Cap and $363,360.70 below the Default.

This would reduce the estimated school tax rate to $7.65 from $8.08, saving taxpayers 38 Cents per $1K (a savings of $174.56 on a Median Home).

It's your money they are spending. The SAU District is out of control. They lack the necessary leadership to reign in the out-of-control spending. It is up to the residents to stop this before it's too late....

- Les Elder,

Milton