MILFORD – Citing the need to save up for major expenses and for town utilities to be self-supporting, town council voted for a water rate study Monday. Council voted to approach Umbaugh and Associates about updating an existing water and sewer rate study or, if that’s not possible, conducting a new one, in order to find the “sweet spot” for utility rates – high enough to support them and save for major costs but not so high they upset customers. Utilities Superintendent Randy Veach mentioned during the meeting expenses he anticipates related to phosphorous removal when the town renews its permit for the water treatment plant in about two years. Council members discussed what they could do to start saving up for that now. Council President Bob Cockburn observed that town utilities are supposed to be self-sufficient, which they’re not, and with some equipment around 10 years old now, he said they’ll be looking at some big expenses soon. He also noted that the last 11 percent of a total 33 percent wastewater rate increase goes into effect this month, but expressed doubt that it would be enough. “This is just telling me, we’ve got to start pulling in more income,” he said. “I’m suggesting we need a rate increase, whether we arbitrarily raise it 5 percent or pay someone $5,000 to tell us we need to raise it 5 percent.” Town attorney Jay Rigdon told council they’re aiming for a number that couldn’t be too high or low, and advised them to follow the advice of a rate study. Cockburn admitted the town has paid for studies in the past and ignored their advice. Councilman Doug Ruch volunteered to “put his head on the chopping block” and motioned to contact Umbaugh about the study, which he said could be paid for through the Milford Redevelopment Commission. Also Monday, council discussed the need for an indoor space to keep police vehicles out of the elements, at the request of Chief Rich Miotto. He and Veach will put together some options to present council, such as adding on to an existing town building or constructing a new space.
