MILTON — The city of Milton finalized its 2026 annual budget Tuesday, and with that approved the additional $10,000 for the Milton House that the Milton Historical Society had requested.
The common council did not initially approve the additional funding in the budget process late last year. The city has automatically allocated $10,000 for the Milton House annually, so the request was additional funding.
There were about $219,000 in residual funds available to make the allocation. The allocation was an amendment to a resolution dispersing the residual funds, which also included allocating funds toward payouts toward retirements and terminations, and capital contributions for future expenses.
The $10,000 for the Milton House will come from capital contributions, per a recommendation from City Manager Paul Hensch.
“I feel that we are in a healthy position to make that additional investment to the Milton House,” Alderperson Derek Henze said.
In the pitch to the city last year, Milton House Executive Director Keighton Klose wrote that additional funds would cover payroll for hourly staff at the museum, which includes one part-time, year-round office manager and seasonal summer employees.
“These hourly employees play a key role in providing operational support to the executive director and ensure that the museum can adequately handle the increased visitor traffic experienced during these months,” Klos wrote at the time.
In November, Henze said he’s a “big supporter” and “advocate” of the Milton House but the city was working with a tight budget. He also said the city was doing well financially and a surplus was predicted in 2026.
Hensch suggested at the time to revisit allocating the funds early in the year as there would be residual funds.
The city is working with a $6 million budget for 2026, up from $5.8 million in 2025 and $5.6 million in 2024.
The city reported an increase in revenue from 15 items, including about $14,000 for the payment to the School District of Milton for the community service officer, about $110,000 for building permits and $125,828 on investments.