By Claudine Burnham | March 11, 2024
Over the last three years, I have enjoyed being one of your three Selectmen. As a 
Board member I have kept my word about keeping the tax rate as low as possible and returning as much surplus back to the Milton taxpayers. Being on the Budget Committee and CIPC (Capital Improvements Plan Committee) the last three years and getting a better understanding of the where and why money is needed and its level of importance to our departments and residents have been a tremendous source of knowledge in making difficult decisions as a Selectman. Since my appointment in 2020 and election in 2021, I have been a strong supporter in tightening the town budget and returning your tax dollars by reducing the tax rate while maintaining with our 2% tax cap. Milton’s taxpayers have received back over $1.5 million dollars over the last three years.
Two years ago when Strafford County increased our county tax significantly by 20%, I invited the County Commissioners to give an explanation to our residents at a Board meeting. This was a first for Milton and a first for one of our forty-year Commissioners. Milton now has a dialogue with the county. Just because we are a small town, does not mean we do not matter. As a Selectman, moving forward we will have a better strategy to help keep those county tax increases down and be treated fairly among the county community. As your Selectman, I invited out State Representatives and Executive Councilmen to give reports to our residents and to open communications for better representation at our State level, as well as keeping us in the loop with important local concerns that are decided for us at the State House.
When issues with residents and businesses were raised, I addressed them with urgency and assisted in resolutions quickly. However, in 2023, the town had numerous challenges that no one could have predicted. The number of road washouts and bridge issues due to storms and increased rain weather had the Board moving as quickly as possible to find the funding to help residents restore their roads, driveways and homes. I, along with our Road Agent, met with our State DPW Commissioner and Executive Councilman to assess the infrastructure issues and how the state could better assist us in the future. This of course came at the heels of when the Board was moving forward with refurbishing the new Town office in hopes of moving in before the Fall. As in any building project, communications issues developed which led to delays. And just to note that most of the expenses for this project and office move was supported by ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) and did not raise local tax dollars. Much thanks to the tremendous support from our departments and staff to get this project completed.
As we move forward with several road construction and bridge projects, the major project ahead is the wastewater treatment facility. This project not only concerns the 330 residents relying on the wastewater service, but will be the burden to all Milton taxpayers, costing us over $20 million. Connecting to the Rochester line will force additional residents up and down Route 125, who will be at the mercy of Rochester costs and fees. We need to explore alternative solutions to find the most cost-effective and bring the final say back to YOU, the voters of Milton.
Thank you for considering me for a second term.
Claudine Burnham
Milton Observer 