Town Meeting ended last night with all but one remaining articles (16 – 43) passing. Most passed by unanimous vote. One was defeated and another was strongly contested. Article 27 which sought funding for the Blue Hills Regional Technical School generated the most debate. The Warrant Committee recommended that $799, 513 be appropriated. This represented an increase of $164,608 over FY11 (or 25.93%). A fair number of Town Meeting members were disturbed by the number. They were especially concerned over the lack of detail to support it.

Town Meeting Member Ann White characterized the comment that accompanied the article in the warrant as “arrogant” and asked for an explanation for the large increase. Ewan Innes, Chairman of the Warrant Committee, said the increase was due in part to 9 more Milton students entering the school. He also stated that if the other participating schools vote the increase Milton has no recourse but to abide by the decision and pay the amount.

Town Meeting members including Julio Varela were not happy about that. Mr. Varela felt it was unfair. He cited the fact that all town departments were required to submit detailed budgets and Blue Hills should not be exempt. Adding to the frustration was the absence of the Superintendent for the school. Festus Joyce, a Milton resident and representative to the Blue Hills District School Committee rose to speak in defence of the request. He acknowledged the fact that members were perturbed but assured them there was nothing going on behind closed doors.

Bob Sweeney, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, spoke and said that the board would be calling on the Superintendent of the school to come to a session, address resident concerns and speak to the budget.

The article passed initially but was reopened by member Joanne Stanley. The feeling of those who opposed approval was that there was a need to “send a message.” Member Geoff Wilkinson opposed reopening the article and stated that a message was being sent. The majority of members agreed.

The one article to be defeated was Article 39 which pertained to an early retirement program that no one voiced enthusiastic for. Selectman Sweeney described it as “confusing.” Selectman Shields said, “It’s in the ether.” The reason being that the town could not properly evaluate the program without first approving it. Member Varela said, “I am trying to get the logic [of  this article]. [We are being asked to] vote yes for something that isn’t a good idea.”

One reason given for why it was a bad idea related to the inability to back fill a position at the established salary. If a municipal employee were to select early retirement under this plan, the town could only pay the replacement 45% of the pay and benefits of the person that retired.  The article was defeated.

Time was also taken during the two sessions  to acknowledge the contributions of those retiring from public service to the town.