Milford Deputy Travis Bays, standing right, displayed the western-style uniform proposed by Town Marshal Derek Kreider, left center, at the Feb. 14 meeting of Milford Town Council. Kreider cited price and availability as reasons for the change, as well as his preference for a less “militaristic” look he feels is more “approachable” and better suited to a small town public servant. Superintendent Steven Marquart is seated far left. InkFreeNews photo by David Hazledine.

By David Hazledine
InkFreeNews

MILFORD — Starting April 1, Milford residents will see increases in their water and wastewater rates. Milford Town Council approved the increases in a hearing held Monday evening, Feb. 14, prior to Milford Town Council’s regular monthly meeting.

According to Town Clerk-Treasurer Tricia Gall, residents will see a $7.56 increase in water and an $8.10 increase in wastewater bills per 4,000 gallons used, the industry standard estimate for monthly usage. This will translate to an average monthly bill of $32.41 for water and $54.60 for wastewater.

Users on a flat rate for wastewater will see a $9 increase if they live in town, while those living outside town limits will see an $11 increase for average monthly bills of $60 and $69 respectively.

Resident Jay Urbin was the only member of the public to comment during the hearing, voicing his objection in light of prior increases. Urbin also criticized recent council votes to suspend late fees on utility bills. “The spending has to slow down,” he exclaimed.

Gall responded it had been seven years since water rates were increased in 2015. Wastewater was raised 8%, roughly $3.40 for the average user, in 2019, following a prior study by Umbaugh and Associates, which had recommended increases as much as twice that amount.

Doug Ruch, council president, emphasized the rate hikes came in response to “the most detailed, definitive rate study we’ve had done so far,” referring to a study done by LWG CPAs & Advisors in 2021.

“We don’t arbitrarily raise these rates,” said Councilman Ken Long, “We don’t take it lightly.” He added, “At the end of the day, it’s how much water you use.”

The council also agreed with Urbin on the need to reinstitute late fees, which had been suspended in response to Governor Holcomb’s COVID emergency declarations. “It’s not fair to ask for a rate increase and waive penalties,” said Ruch. Late fees will resume in March.

During police reports, Town Marshal Derek Kreider requested the council approve a change in uniforms to a “western style” similar to those worn by marshal offices in Texas, Montana and Wyoming. Kreider noted the new uniforms would be less expensive and easier to obtain. Moreover, he felt the switch from the more “militaristic,” tactical-style class B uniforms would help officers to “look more like public servants,” and increase officers’ approachability.

Kreider said only one part-time officer was against the changes and public feedback has been nearly all positive. The council voted to modify the department’s standard operating procedures to accommodate the uniform change. Bob Cockburn voted against.

The council voted to purchase three new Dell laptop computers for the Milford Police Department at a total cost of $5,937.40. A grant from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force will cover $1,500 of the total.

The purchase of three more Dell computers was approved for use by council members and the clerk’s office at a cost of $4,440 from Microbyte. A Microbyte employee present noted cloud-based security will also be added, which will meet coming Indiana Department of Emergency Management cybersecurity standards.

During wastewater reports, Mark Brubaker said Wheeling Brothers may soon be moving in equipment to fill in holding ponds on treatment plant property. He will also be meeting with BioWaste employees and local farmers to discuss future land application possibilities.

During street, water and park reports, the council granted Superintendent Steven Marquart’s request to purchase 40 tons of road salt from Mortons at a cost of $3,766.40.

The council also tabled a decision on bids to perform demolition work on the house at 410 W. Catherine, gutted by fire in February 2021. Members needed clarification on backfill work. The vote will be made at a special meeting at 5 p.m. Feb. 28.

The council approved $1,037.50 for BL Anderson’s repair of the chlorine feed system at the well.

Marquart also requested street, water and park employees receive a raise in clothing allowance from $300 to $400 per year, as well as a change in standard operating procedures to include the purchase of pants.

The council denied Marquart’s request to replace an employee. Long cited the water rate increases, the hiring of part-time summer employees and the ability of one employee to move between departments as factors in the decision.

Ordinance 2022-1, allowing the transfer of $1,641.47 from the bond savings fund to the bond payment fund was approved, as well as resolution 2022-5, which allocates $750 to the maintenance of Waubee Lake Park as part of an interlocal agreement with Van Buren Township.

Gall reported Milford Lions Club met to discuss stage entertainment for the 2022 Milford Fest, tentatively planned for Saturday, May 28. She said the Lions hope to talk soon with Beer and Jessop Amusements, which organized the 2021 event following the Lions’ decision to pull out after citing COVID-19 concerns.

Matt Sandy, Kosciusko County assistant area planner and floodplain administrator, was on hand to request the council approve the annual information sharing agreement needed for community rating recertification. According to Sandy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is now overseeing the program rather than the Insurance Service Office. “Milford has no houses in the floodplain,” he stated.

REACH alerts will continue in 2022 at a cost of $1,300. Gall and Marquart noted their usefulness during boil orders and snow emergencies.

A utility credit of $147.13 was granted a Milford resident after having meter problems.

The council also voted to waive community building rental fees for Milford Cub Scouts to hold their cake auction from 5-9 p.m. April 22.

Milford Town Council will hold a special meeting at 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28, to open bids for Community Crossing street work, vote on the annexation of North Park and review bids for the demolition of the house at 410 W. Catherine St.