Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
MILFORD - Town of Milford council members approved the 2024 budget Tuesday evening.
The budget is $2,633,760 versus last year’s budget of $2,444,711. The adopted tax rate for 2024 is $1.55 per $100 assessed value. This year the tax rate is $1.26 per $100 assessed value.
Two public hearings were held at the start of the meeting regarding Office of Community Rural Affairs grants. The first was on the Master Utility Study grant and Ryan La Reau of Commonwealth was there to explain the grant. According to Clerk-Treasurer Tricia Gall, La Reau explained the master utility study was to evaluate, assess and advise alternative solutions to meet the town’s needs.
The town received a $90,000 grant and contributed a match of $10,000 for the study. There were no comments from the public and Gall said this was the second public hearing required for the grant. Later, the council approved a resolution stating they received the document and approved the plan.
The second public hearing was held for the OCRA Community Development Block Grant through the HELP (Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program). A representative from Michiana Area Council of Governments was present to give a report. Gall said Milford’s top priority is replacing all its water meters — commercial and residential. They applied for a non-competing grant in the amount of $232,523 and local funds of $106,000 were required, as well as an additional $167,175, which will be taken from American Rescue Plan Act funds. Gall said the cost is expected to be over $400,000.
Beth Johnson of USI Consulting was present to talk about the status of the Waubee Lake Trail, which she said is expected to be completed in September 2026. She reported they revised some of the plans to go around a bridge and avoid conflict with the railroad. She said the total cost now is $1.77 million.
She also reported they found an archaeological impact, so a full archaeological study is currently being done and they expect results soon.
Dan Brown, of the Milford Redevelopment Commission, was present with a memo of understanding between Miller East LLC, the town of Milford and Milford Redevelopment Commission. The redevelopment commission will purchase the public improvements — the water, sewer and streets but the town will take responsibility for those improvements.
The Eastfield subdivision is a residential tax increment finance district, and the MOU also spells out that 50% of the incentives up to $1 million for the developer with $500,000 in the first phase and the other $500,000 at a later phase. The council approved the MOU and thanked Brown for his work on this project.
In other business:
• Approved the purchase of bulletproof vests for new police reserves at a cost of $2,660.
• Approved having the marshal apply for an Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant that will pay for an additional police officer for four years and the town picks up the cost the fifth year.
• Heard the police department received new AEDs from the K21 Health Foundation.
• Heard the police will be out in full force on Halloween. Trick-or-treat hours are Oct. 31 6 to 8 p.m.
• Heard the fall clean-up had 142 visitors and filled five 30-yard dumpsters with rubbish and one 30-yard dumpster with metal scraps.
• Residents should place leaves in long, narrow piles in the roads with no rocks, twigs and branches and not beside vehicles.
• Approved the purchase of a snowplow for new truck from Gardner’s Power Equipment at a cost of $9,237.50.
• Approved advertising for a general laborer.
• Heard Phend & Brown should start paving this week depending on weather.
• Heard and approved that the clerk’s office will be closed Nov. 10 for Veterans Day.
• Approved having the town employee Christmas party at Harry’s Tap & Grill.
