Milford Town Council President Doug Ruch pointed out the first of three phases of the North Park development east of Milford at a meeting on the proposed annexation of the phase 3 section, held on Jan. 25. The final meeting will take place at 6 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, Jan. 26, in the Milford Community Building. Photo by David Hazledine.

By David Hazledine
InkFreeNews

MILFORD — Milford Town Council members met at the Milford Community Building the evening of Tuesday, Jan. 25, for the second of three informational meetings on the proposed annexation of phase three of the North Park subdivision. However, there were no other attendees, and according to Tricia Gall, Milford clerk/treasurer, only one resident out of the 33 households affected attended the first night.

The last meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26.

The annexed area in question covers the majority of Lehman Drive and Jeremy Drive, located to the east of current Milford boundaries and just south of CR 1250N/Syracuse Street.

Available at the meetings were copies of the annexation fiscal plan compiled by LWG CPAs and Advisors, as well as a financial breakdown of the economic effects to each of the 33 households. “At least they can be informed about what’s changing,” said Gall.

Residents in the affected area stand to save roughly 14% on wastewater and 50% on water fees, according to the plan. Those paying for trash collection will also see savings.

President Doug Ruch also pointed out some residents may see savings in homeowner’s insurance, as the Insurance Service Offices rating often used to calculate these rates are generally better in the town than the township. However, this depends on individual policies. “It’s not across the board,” said Gall, adding residents should ask their insurers to find out. Residents will also be subject to town ordinances, which may differ from the county ordinances they were subject to previously.

As for Milford, the benefits will not be seen for a couple years, when property taxes eventually make their way into town coffers; in fact, the town will face increased expenses due to additional utilities and trash pick-up customers.

The fiscal plan estimates a grant total increase in property tax revenues of $7,288 and an increase in non-property tax revenue of $8,293. The estimated net assessed value of the annexation territory as of 2021 is $2,567,386.

Ruch called the annexation a “win win,” for both the town and its new citizens. “We want to grow … You can’t stay stagnant or you’ll die stagnant.”

Anyone seeking information on the annexation who is unable to attend the meetings can visit the clerk/treasurer’s office, located at 121 S. Main St., or call (574) 658-4519.