Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
MILFORD - A public hearing was held on the proposed 2025 budget on Monday by the Milford Town Council.
Clerk-Treasurer Tricia Gall read the budget, which is proposed at $2,459,989. The budget is a decrease from the 2024 budget, which was $2,633,760.
Gall said the town additionally has $275,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for 2025.
The annual tax rate for 2025 is proposed at $1.24 per $1,000 of assessed value. The tax rate for 2024 was $1.55 per $1,000 assessed value.
No formal action was taken.
Representatives from the Community Food Locker appealed to the council to have the food locker moved from the school, where it has been vandalized, to outside the community building.
According to deputy clerk Renda Loetz, the council had some concerns about accessibility for students but ultimately approved having the food locker moved to outside the community center.
The council approved two letters of engagement with LWG. The first is for fees for finance in the amount of $35,000. The council approved that pending review by the town attorney.
In a related matter, the council approved seeking a loan from the redevelopment commission in the amount of $500,000 to $600,000 for upfront costs for Commonwealth for the lead service replacement project.
The second letter of engagement approved with LWG is for water rate study work in an amount not to exceed $6,000.
The council heard that trees in the easement at North Park subdivision will be removed this week. The council approved having the low quote from Dan the Tree Man do the work for $1,000.
The council heard the next hydrant flushing is scheduled for Oct. 2-3. They also heard that Indiana Alliance is in town helping with hydro excavation of unknown water service materials for the lead and copper line survey. They will be checking 23 sites in town.
They heard that the buoys have been removed at the lake for the season and the pier will be removed in October.
The council approved the pre-purchase of six water meters at the cost of $2,425.74 for an anticipated four to six new homes being developed by Miller Brothers in Eastfield subdivision. The meters won’t be ordered until needed.
Approved the resignation of Tad Freed and heard that applications are being sought for a general laborer to replace that position.
In other business, the council:
• Approved extending the trash contract with Sweetheimer for another quarter.
• Heard that the clerk’s office will be closed Monday, Oct. 14 for Columbus Day, therefore the October council meeting has been moved to Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. in the community building.
• Heard the next Food Truck Friday will be Sept. 20 with the theme “School Throwback — Be There or Be Square.
Fall clean-up is scheduled for Sept. 26-28
The fire department’s chicken barbecue is scheduled for Oct. 6 with chicken at $7 each.
