In a recent budget workshop held on July 19, 2025, the Milton City Council discussed the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, focusing on employer benefits and departmental funding. The meeting highlighted positive developments in employee benefits, with a notable reduction in health insurance renewal rates and the introduction of a new hospital indemnity plan.

The city reported a 3.5% increase in employer-paid health insurance, significantly lower than the anticipated 6%. This stability in costs is attributed to previous changes made to benefits offerings aimed at controlling expenses. Additionally, there were no changes to the employer-paid ancillary benefits, ensuring that employee costs remain unchanged, which is expected to be well-received by city employees.

The workshop also delved into the general fund and its various departments. The mayor and city council department saw an increase in operating expenses, largely due to the transfer of costs from the now-dissolved economic development department to the administration department. This restructuring resulted in a 40% increase in operating expenses for the administration department, despite maintaining the same number of personnel.

Council members raised questions about the implications of these budgetary changes, particularly the significant increases in operating expenses without a corresponding increase in staffing levels. The discussion underscored the complexities of budget management, especially when departments are restructured and funds are reallocated.

As the council continues to refine the budget, they are expected to address the implications of these changes on overall city operations and employee morale. The next steps will involve further analysis of staffing ratios and the potential impact of these budgetary decisions on community services. The council's commitment to transparency and thorough discussion reflects their dedication to responsible fiscal management as they prepare for the upcoming fiscal year.