Recreation director proposes bus replacement, Keys expansion and pool‑upkeep warrant articles

John Cole Morgan, Milford’s recreation director, presented his 2026 operating budget and outlined three proposed warrant articles aimed at capitalizing department needs and avoiding major single‑year tax impacts.

Morgan said a recurring $15,000 annual deposit into a bus capital reserve would accumulate $75,000 in five years toward a bus replacement; he estimated a new bus might cost roughly $125,000 and said revolving‑fund revenues and sponsorships would help close the gap.

On facilities, Morgan proposed $60,000 for the Keys expansion/reserve to support playgrounds, courts and grant matching funds; he said $60,000 may be optimistic for the current year and suggested $25,000 as a lower acceptable minimum to allow the department to pursue matching grants.

For pool maintenance the department proposed $25,000 to a pool upkeep/maintenance warrant account to cover resurfacing that occurs roughly every five years and to have an emergency reserve should a major repair be required. Morgan stressed a succession approach to avoid sudden large capital requests.

Board members asked for more detailed cost estimates and whether revolving‑fund revenues would materially reduce voter asks; Morgan said he would provide additional detail and noted that some proposals (such as revolving funds and grants) can lessen the tax impact.

Outcome: Board and BAC asked recreation staff to supply supporting cost estimates, payoff timelines and grant strategies before any warrant language is finalized.