Sussex Review

Milford City Council will review a proposed FY2024 budget totaling $59,505,286 during Council Workshops on Monday, May 22; Tuesday, May 23; Wednesday, May 24; and Monday, June 5, all at 6pm.  The budget is proposed to be adopted at the Monday, June 12 City Council Meeting.

“The budget provides the citizens of Milford with information regarding the operations of the City government and details on how public funds will be utilized throughout the community” said Mark Whitfield, City Manager.  “The budget also serves as a roadmap for the City Council and City Manager to achieve the City's priorities for both now and in the future.  As staff prepared this year's budget, priorities and requests were aligned with the 2018-2023 Strategic Plan.”

The FY2024 budget proposes both personnel and capital project enhancements.  An additional code enforcement officer in the City Planning Department, for example, will provide safety to residents and prideful property appearance, ensuring residences and businesses are in line with city code and the addition of a horticulturist in the Parks and Recreation Department will aid in gateway beautification and native plantings.  Requested capital projects include, but are not limited to, the new police facility (approved by 2021 referendum), Walnut St. bridge pedestrian crossing, various streetscapes projects, Maple St. bridge replacement, bike paths, payment kiosks, rehabilitation of downtown parking lots, public plaza in front of City Hall, public Wi-Fi, EV charging stations, LED street light replacements, and public downtown restrooms.

Changes and increases from previous budgets are in large part driven by requirements of the city related to growth, associated demands on staff and operations, inflation, and recruiting challenges experienced over the past three years.  City staff has worked hard to offset these overall costs, exceeding $17 million over the last three years in grant revenue and grant awards.

The real estate tax increase, and increases in water, sewer, electric and trash rates will result in a monthly increase for the average resident of $11.75/month or $141/year. Almost half of the $141 is attributed to payments on the bond for the new police building, which was approved by voters in January 2021.  The City is fortunate for its diversity of operations and multiple income streams in order to keep real estate taxes at an attractive rate for businesses and residents, while providing competitive rates for utilities and services.   

Another notable change residents will experience is a $2.20/month increase in solid waste fees primarily due to inflation of operating cost driven by fuel, vehicle repairs, and proactive equipment funding.  The increase raises the monthly fee from $29.30 to $31.50, which remains competitive with other area trash providers.  Changes in refuse service has gone a long way in keeping the city clean.  The increase will also provide funds for software to help in delivering quality customer service.

Original source can be found here.