Commentary by Frank Schroth

It is rare for this site to recommend a vote, but this is an exceptional instance. Tomorrow, Milton voters will be going to the polls (or should be) and in addition to casting votes for Selectmen, School Committee, Library Trustee, etc., there is a question on the ballot. We recommend a yes vote on that question which would authorize a tax override to fund the ongoing health care of a firefighter injured in the line of duty.

First, funding his care is a legal and moral responsibility. About that, there is no question. To date that care has been funded in large part by bonds. These have been repeatedly approved by substantial margins at past Town Meetings. However, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue views that unfavorably as it is not a sustainable way to fund an ongoing expense. In addition, it is not economically smart, as the town incurs an additional cost because any bond requires interest payments.

An override would allow the establishment of a special fund earmarked for this firefighter’s care and fund it with $500,000. Property taxes would be adjusted to maintain the $500,000 level. (His care has been ~$400K for last year or so).

The average impact to inidividual homeowners would be relatively small.

If the override fails, then funds to cover these expenses will have to be taken out of town operations.
All candidates for town wide offices recenty expressed their support for this at the Milton Speaks Candidate Forum on MATV. We agree with them.

This is the right thing to do and the right way to fund it. We urge you to vote YES tomorrow on Question 1.