An Alternative to Overrides. by Robert G. O'Brien

Cutbacks in local aid and increases in unfunded state mandates have exacerbated Milton’s budgetary problems. In many municipalities, traditional “budget busters” include town employee salaries, automatic pay-raises (annual and “step”), spiraling health insurance costs, lucrative pension plans, generous overtime and police details.

As a fairly new resident, I’ve never looked closely at the town budget—so I cannot say to what degree these are problems. But I do think Town Meeting should examine these areas.

We ought to compare Milton town employee staffing levels, compensation, benefits, and criteria for retirement—to other comparable communities. More importantly, we should contrast our town employees with average private-sector employees. Where adjustments need to made, the town can try to negotiate them (at least incrementally) at contract renewal time with employee unions.

As alternatives to losing members due to layoffs, civic-minded employee unions could agree to open up contract negotiations now. Perhaps they could voluntarily forgo an automatic pay-raise, agree to pay a greater percentage of their health insurance premium or higher co-pays.

The town should also explore potential savings by having its employees tie into the state health insurance program (and possibly the state pension plan).

This is not to pick on our town employees. They do an excellent job! It’s just that we need look for reasonable savings wherever they can be found.

Already living in the one of the most heavily taxed states in America, many Milton residents can ill-afford yet another override--particularly during our current tough economy.