MILFORD — Milford’s proposed 2016 budget managed to successfully cut close to 6 percent from last year, bringing its total to $1,585,450, down from $1,684,402 in 2015. “It will be a tight year,” Town Treasurer Joellen Free stated. This is the second year the town has had to reduce its budget.

Budget workshops in June saw department heads trying to find ways to meet their respective goals, and sacrifices had to be made.

The police department faced a jump in the price of ammunition along with a decrease in its equipment budget. Town Marshal Rich Miotto reported his department “scratched the idea of putting on another officer.”

The police are also required by the state to keep equipment up to date. In 2016, the officers’ bulletproof vests will be five years old. Miotto did budget for the vests in case grants are not available. He will also be looking for grant money to fund a full-time deputy.

“We watch the money very closely,” Miotto said. “In six years, we’ve never gone beyond budget.”

Milford’s Volunteer Fire Department is not solely dependent on the town. Its 2016 budget includes funds from Van Buren and Jefferson townships. Nevertheless, Chief Todd Haines said, “A lot of maintenance we do ourselves … We’re proud of what we have and we try to take care of it.”

Milford uses more of its budget on water and sewage than other municipalities, a situation Free sees changing during the course of the next year with raised water rates, far lower than most towns its size. Town Council President Bob Cockburn has cited self-sufficiency of utilities as one of his main goals while in office.

Some bright spots this fiscal year include a $15,000 savings in Milford’s ambulance services since entering into an agreement with Kosciusko County Ambulance Service. Free also stated Milford expects to see a 2.6 percent growth in state funding during the next year. And, in spite of tight budgets these last few years, Free said, “The town has no debt.” Additionally, Milford is $2,000 below its maximum levy, the total amount of property tax dollars the town is allowed to collect each year.

These bright spots, however, don’t allow Milford, which Town Councilman Dan Cochran believes is “experiencing growth” the funds necessary to accommodate that growth. It is hoped the Troyer Group’s Town Facilities Study, as well as planning for the future, will enable Milford with more opportunities to acquire grant money needed for capital investment.