MILFORD - Before the start of the regular Milford Town Council meeting on Monday, the council held a public hearing on the proposed 2024 budget.
Clerk-Treasurer Tricia Gall stated the total budget is $2,633,763, “which would keep us at our maximum tax levy, which is where we’ve been in the past.”
No one from the public commented and the council took no action. They plan to act on the budget at the next council meeting on Oct. 10.
The town’s health insurance representative, Lisa Frazzetta-Manning of Frazzetta Financial Services, led a lengthy discussion with the town council and some employees about options for health insurance for 2024.
She reminded the council they are currently on an association plan with Indiana State Chamber of Commerce and there are fees associated with that, “But it was the cheapest way to go.”
However, she said this year the cost went up 22% so the monthly cost would be $19,061. She said she checked if it would be less to pull them out of the association and she said, “It would still be more expensive than staying on the current plan.”
This year they’ve been paying about $15,000 a month so if they stay with the current plan, they’d be paying over $30,000 more a month.
She offered several options for renewal with the same company and most entailed higher deductibles for the employees, but Frazzetta pointed out that the town also puts money into a health savings account for its employees.
After much discussion and some input from employees present, they decided to go with an option that costs $17,167 a month and increases individual deductibles by $2,000 but once the deductible is met, there’s no cost to the individual.
Frazzetta-Manning said, “You have great insurance and benefits, I’m not sure why people are not knocking your doors down to work for you — or maybe they are.”
Kevin Dwyer, of Waubee Lake Association, came to the council to ask for a contribution from them toward spraying for Starry Stonewort, which is an invasive species that has invaded 18 acres of Waubee Lake. He said the Starry Stonewort can cause a big problem, killing off fish and can impact boating and swimming if it’s not treated.
“If we don’t raise funds, it can get out of hand,” he said.
He told council members that there was an invasion at the boat launch at Milford Park about 0.2 acre. He said they spray in June and August and he asked the council to contribute $650 for the two sprayings next summer. He said they also approached Camp Mack about contributing.
The council approved contributing to the spraying next summer.
The council approved paying $6,810 to Middlebury Electric for hooking up the new tornado sirens.
They heard the police department received a grant to get six new AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) for the squad cars and one for town hall.
The council also approved the school resource officer agreement with Wawasee Schools for the part-time officer who will work at the school five days a week for five hours a day. The school will pay $20,000 and the town will supply the car and the equipment. Deputy Ben Sanders is the SRO and it’s going well, the council heard.
The council approved having Mr. Rooter camera the storm sewer at a cost not to exceed $300.
In the Utilities Department, the council approved the updated water emergency contingency plan and approved replacing the water line at a resident at 208 W. Fifth St. at a cost of $3,680 by Foyle Plumbing.
In addition, they approved Foyle Plumbing replacing the water heater at town hall at a cost of $1,556.96.
The council also approved having M E Simpson conduct a large meter testing at a cost of $1,250 at their convenience.
Utility Superintendent Steven Marquart said, “The last two times they did it at their convenience and it worked out fine.”
In other business, the council:
• Set trick or treat hours for 6 to 8 p.m. in Milford on Halloween.
• Approved the request by Karena Wilkinson to have a Trunk or Treat in the community building parking lot.
• Heard they received notice on the closings on the Davidhizer properties.
• Opposed a variance request from Star Smith at 508 W. Catherine St.
• Approved paying for a generator at the wastewater treatment plant in the amount of $4,331.63 by EvaPar.
• Approved transferring funds from the general fund to the water fund to pay hydrant fees in the amount of $31,576.86.
• Heard Town Hall will be closed Monday, Oct. 9 for Columbus Day.
Because of the holiday, the October council meeting will be on Tuesday, Oct. 10 and immediately before the council meeting they will hold a public hearing on the master
• Heard Food Truck Friday is this Friday 5 to 8 p.m. with a Viva la Fiesta theme. A Mexican Folkloric dance group will be performing from 6 to 7 p.m.
• Heard fall cleanup will be Sept. 21-23 at the utility building, 600 N. Main St.
Hours on Sept. 21 and 22 will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 8 to 11:30 a.m. Employees will be there to help unload items. No TV’s, computers, tires on rims, items with freon, paints still liquified or hazardous materials. It is for town of Milford residents only.
• Heard the Fire Department Chicken Barbecue fundraiser is Oct. 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the fire station, 214 S. Main St.