Milton's July 3 celebration + what the school budget means for you

Milton's July 3 Celebration Is Back — and It Has a Water Slide

The city's annual community Fourth of July party happens on Friday, July 3, from 9 a.m. to noon at Broadwell Pavilion — moved slightly earlier than past years to beat the summer heat. New this year: a water slide and water attractions alongside face painting, balloon twisting, DJ music, and crafts.

Food options include King of Pops, Kona Ice, Jade's Craft Lemonade Bar, a chicken-and-waffles truck, and Milton Fire Corps members on the grill. It's free to attend; the only thing you'll spend is on food or a treat. The main event is the Walking Parade at 9:45 a.m. — dress the kids and the stroller in red, white, and blue for a shot at prizes: most patriotic kid, most creative outfit, most energetic, most decked-out vehicle, and most coordinated family.

Note: Broadwell Road closes around 7 a.m. and reopens in early afternoon. Full details at miltonga.gov.

Your School's Budget Has a $57 Million Gap — and Your Tax Bill Could Move

Fulton County Schools officially adopted a $2.3 billion budget for the coming school year carrying a $56.9 million deficit, to be covered by drawing on reserves. The shortfall was narrowed from an initial $95 million gap through a round of cuts; reserves will still sit above $233 million after the draw.

What it means for Milton families right now: every student gets one fewer school day next year — a district-wide furlough that saved $4.5 million. And your property tax bill could move. The board must set a millage rate by September 1, with two public hearings once Fulton County drops its tax digest — expected any day now. Those hearings are your window to weigh in on what you actually pay. If you've been tracking the senior homestead exemptions approved last year, note that FCS projects losing $50 million in local revenues as those roll out, which tightens the math further.

Source: Appen Media.

Around Town

USA is through. Hundreds packed Crabapple Green on June 19 for the city's first World Cup watch party — and the USMNT came through, beating Australia 2-0 to clinch first place in their group. They've advanced to the knockout rounds. The city has confirmed a second watch party on Sunday, July 19, 1–5 p.m. at Crabapple Market for the World Cup Final.

Data center clock is ticking. The 30-day moratorium on data center applications the Council enacted in early June is nearly up. The July 6 Council meeting is the next decision point — expect a vote on whether to extend, make it permanent, or let it lapse. If you have thoughts on where Milton lands on data centers, that's the meeting to attend.

Legacy Park is closed through fall. The Cox Road athletic complex is mid-overhaul — parking is being roughly doubled, traffic reconfigured, and the septic system replaced. No reopening until this fall. Plan around it if you have summer sports there.

Preserving a Piece of Old Milton

On June 13, fourteen volunteers from the local chapter of the Young Men's Service League — mothers and their teenage sons — partnered with the Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society to scrub headstones at Boiling Springs Primitive Baptist Church, one of the few landmarks that predates Milton's incorporation in 2006. It was the second year the two groups have worked together on it.

"It fosters relationships between them and their mothers," said AOMCHS co-founder Jim Farris, "and it is a respect for the institutions and people who came before us." Sixteen headstones cleaned, another year of history a little easier to read.

Source: Appen Media.

One More Thing

With July 4 ten days out: a local vendor is giving away a fully funded $35,000+ wedding to a military couple. Brandy Yungel of Southern Weddings and Florals is running the "Weddings to Warriors" program — catering, florals, photography, and more, all provided by local vendors. At least one partner must be active duty, a veteran, a Guard member, or a Reservist.

Applications are open at weddingstowarriors.carrd.co through July 4. The winner is announced July 13. Worth passing along to anyone who qualifies.

Mark Your Calendar

→Sat, June 27 — LiveLOUD concert on the Green, 7 p.m. at Crabapple Market. Free.
→Mon, June 29 — Comp Plan open house, 6–8 p.m. at City Hall. Last chance to shape Milton's next 5 years before the draft goes to the state.
→Fri, July 3 — Red, White, and YOU!, 9 a.m.–noon at Broadwell Pavilion. Free.
→Mon, July 6 — City Council meeting, 6 p.m. — FY26 budget vote + data center moratorium decision.
→Sat, July 11 — Movie on the Green ("Kicking & Screaming"), 7 p.m. at Crabapple Market.
→Sun, July 19 — Goals on the Green — World Cup Final watch party, 1–5 p.m. at Crabapple Market.