Staff reports 7:28 a.m.
Wednesday, March 11, 2020 7:29 am

Tax cap is hoped to reign in town spending, slow property tax hikes. (Courtesy photo)

MILTON - Matthew Morrill became Milton's newest selectman on Tuesday, defeating both Humphrey Williams and perennial contender Larry Brown, 327-252-192, respectively.

The other big vote on the day was Milton's decision to adopt a tax cap that will limit the town's annual budget based on tax revenues raised the previous year. The measure passed by an overwhelming 505-280 vote.

In fact, on many fronts, town residents showed a growing frustration with rising property taxes, voting down a $59,000 school resource officer, payment of Strafford Regional Planning Commission dues and a $350,000 highway and road construction fund.

Also voted down was two fire department capital reserve fund appropriation totaling $65,000.

Highway equipment ($23,000) and Municipal Building ($40,000) reserve funds were also handily defeated.

A small technology appropriation ($2,500) and MFPL funding, ($20,000), however were easily passed.

While many town reserve account enhancements were frowned upon, residents did take care of continuing bridge repairs ($25,000) and also awarded more funding for eradicating invasive plants that threaten Milton Three Ponds' ecosystem ($10,000).

A vote that would establish an independent committee to formulate town capital improvement programs was defeated, 418-345.

Voters also handily rejected the notion of a selectmen-appointed fire chief, 505-253 and granting authority to town officials to rent or lease town property for up to five years, 410-352.

Morrill will join Andrew Rawson and Erin Hutchings on the board.