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Letters to the Editor

Milton tone deaf at budget meeting

Stephen Mannoia 
August 23, 2024

Last evening, Milton Town Council held a meeting in which the main topic of interest was the proposed property tax increase of the 2025 budget.

What did the meeting begin with? A very slick presentation by Delaware Sea Grant showing the effects of a major 100-year storm on Milton and how they feel it should be dealt with. The plan showed what water management solutions they felt would resolve any issue as well as other related recreational venues throughout the town.
 
When asked about the cost, a student who worked on the project cited upwards of $20 million just for one part. A major part of the reasoning was the predicted (according to their survey) additional 11,800 new residents from the already approved developments.
 
Let's see, we're discussing a monumental tax increase which is totally out of line if approved, coupled with tax increases the three previous years. And we’re talking about a new project with a $20 million opening cost. It may be needed, but it cannot be funded by the taxpayers. A lot of the water management issues are due to the projected increase of population linked to upcoming development.
 
Many residents who participated in the meeting spoke against the proposed increase. They were all in agreement on cutting the budget until revenue from these new developments comes online to spend, rather than putting another burden on the backs of the residents. Several participants got up and went over the budget, and pointed out what they thought could be eliminated or adjusted.
 
We all would like things we can't afford. But we put them off until we can or move on to a more affordable alternative. Taxing the population until no one can afford to live in the town is ridiculous.
 
The real question is, how tone deaf can this town government become?
 
Stephen Mannoia 
Milton

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