The Milton City Council's recent budget workshop highlighted significant adjustments for the upcoming fiscal year, particularly in facilities maintenance and community programs, reflecting the city's commitment to addressing growing demands.

A key discussion point was the increase in the facilities maintenance budget, which saw an 11.87% rise. This increase is attributed to higher overtime costs driven by a surge in events requiring staff support. Joe Cook, the facilities maintenance director, explained that while the number of full-time equivalent positions remains at two, previous budgets had underrepresented the actual staffing needs. The council acknowledged that overtime had not been budgeted in prior years, leading to unexpected expenses. The adjustments aim to align the budget with actual staffing and operational demands, ensuring that the department can effectively manage its workload.

In addition to facilities maintenance, the council discussed the roads and streets budget, which experienced a slight decrease of 3.14%. This reduction was achieved by averaging expenditures over the past three years. However, concerns were raised about potential funding losses in future years, which could impact road paving and maintenance projects. The council is preparing for these challenges while ensuring that current needs are met.

The parks and recreation department also reported a 6.58% increase in personnel services, primarily due to annual salary adjustments. Operating expenses rose by 12.14%, reflecting an increase in program activities and participant numbers. Importantly, the department emphasized that revenue generated from program fees will match these expense increases, ensuring fiscal responsibility.

As the council moves forward with the budget planning process, these discussions underscore the importance of adapting to community needs while maintaining financial stability. The adjustments made in this workshop are crucial for supporting the city's infrastructure and recreational offerings, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for Milton residents.