By John Fredericks / STAFF

Milton’s anti-business oriented city council hates sewers and loves trees.

Problem is, neither position does much to produce needed tax revenue to support their services. Now they’re broke.

The city’s financial gurus are projecting a deficit of $1.9 million on a total $22.8 million budget, or a nearly 10 percent gap. Budgeted revenue from sales taxes, business licenses, other fees and property taxes are down approximately 10 percent; accounting for nearly the entire shortfall. Milton’s fiscal year ends on September 30, and their charter prohibits city officials from running a deficit. So cuts are coming – and fast. 

“The financial stability of our new city is my number one priority,” said Councilwoman Karen Thurman, who has a professional financial background. “We have to maintain the balance between maintaining our rural character and keeping the city financially viable,” she added. Thurman maintained that the necessary cuts could be made without effecting services in the short term.

Milton’s municipal staff has directed CH2M Hill, the private company that provides much of the city’s services, to find cost reductions. The city forks over approximately $7.6 million a year to CH2M Hill. This year, they may have to take a little less, while working a little harder. Just like everybody else.