Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
MILFORD -ÊAnnexation of the North Park Subdivision, Milford, and two neighboring properties was again discussed by the Milford Town Council Monday.
Dallas Winchester, utilities commissioner, presented a packet of information to the council regarding the pros and cons of the annexation for residents and the town. The information was compiled by Winchester, Pat Hurd and the clerk-treasurer's office.
According to the information, taxpayers' benefits or services provided to the annexed areas by Milford include: regular water and wastewater rates, garbage pickup paid through property taxes, brush pickup, leaf pickup, spring and/or fall cleanup, mosquito fogging, snow removal, reduced tap fees on empty lots, police patrol and the protection of town ordinances.
Benefits the town will receive will include an increased population for future distribution of revenue and increased revenues through real and personal property taxes collected.
A water and wastewater user study indicated average usage for town residences is 8,800 gallons. At the regular rate, the average billing is $60.07, but $90.11 at 1.5 times the rate for residences outside the town.
If annexed, Milford's water and wastewater utility would have a reduced income of $30.04 bimonthly per home, a total of $180.24 annually per home. However, the cost of service and maintenance of collection and distribution system is not included.
Tap fees, according to the information, would be $1,470, but only $980 at the regular rate if the area is annexed.
Outside the town limits, average cost to residents for garbage collection is $12 monthly or $144 annually. Average cost to Milford residential customers is $5.13 a month or $61.56 per home annually.
The annexed homes would have a net tax rate increase of $275 per residential dwelling.
If any town residents want a copy of the report, Winchester said they are available in the town hall.
Property owner Jeremy Price said, "I wouldn't have any objections to being annexed." He said if the subdivision is annexed, some of the undeveloped lots would be sold because people would know they were going to be in the town limits.
Councilman Doug Ruch said well-designed, well-developed homes like those in the subdivision are what Milford needs. He said any sacrifices made by the town to annex the property are worth it.
Phend & Brown property is next to the subdivision and the council discussed whether or not the business would want to be annexed. Ruch said he will contact the business before the Sept. 10 meeting to discuss the annexation.
