Officer Travis Bays was approved for full-time service after Officer Tyler Schmucker’s resignation at Milford Town Council’s special meeting Wednesday, March 27. Replacement vehicles for the police and fire departments were also discussed. Photo by Lilli Dwyer.

By Lilli Dwyer
InkFree News

MILFORD — The Milford Town Council held a special meeting Wednesday, March 27 to discuss police and fire department matters.

Police officer Tyler Schmucker resigned after a year a half of service with the Milford Police Department. The council approved the full-time hiring of Travis Bays as a replacement, as well as an amendment to the salary ordinance for Bays’ $47,000.16 annual pay. Bays has previously served the department in both a full-time and part-time capacity for the past 4 years.

In other police business, the council voted on the replacement of a police vehicle that was totaled in an accident Sunday, March 3. Marshal Derek Kreider had three quotes for a replacement vehicle: A Chevrolet Tahoe from Kelly Auto for $57,683; A Dodge Durango from John Jones for $47,285; and a Ford Interceptor from Kerlin Motor Company for $47,235.

Both the Durango and Interceptor had V6 engines. The Durango would not be available until late summer and the Interceptor would not be available until 2025.

Despite its higher quote, the council chose the Tahoe for its V8 engine and its availability date on April 15.

New radio equipment for the Tahoe was approved at a cost of $4,759.69 from J & K Communications. The council also approved a police upfit package form Cops Gear of Columbia City for $18,075.49 and a computer for $4,283.45.

In fire department news, the council once again reviewed their request for a new fire truck to replace a 2003 truck, now past its 20 year normal lifespan.

Being a member of the fire department, Council President Doug Ruch must abstain from decision making on the matter.

Council members Jim Smiley and Ken Long made plans to purchase the new truck for $610,291 through Sourcewell’s Cooperative Purchasing program. Rather than a trade-in, the council opted to sell the old truck separately.

However, before they can go through with the purchase, they must undergo an additional appropriations process and receive permission from the Department of Local Government Finance to use funds which were not included in their original budget for this year.

“It wasn’t included in our original budget and there’s a process we have to follow for the budget, which includes public hearings and all kinds of different advertisements. … We have to tell people we want to spend more money than we originally requested, but we have the funds, we have the money in the bank account,” Clerk-Treasurer Tricia Gall explained.

There will be a specialized public hearing on the additional appropriations Monday, April 15, as there is not enough time to advertise before the next regular council meeting Monday, April 8.

Additionally, the council approved Commonwealth Engineers’ water asset management plan, to be submitted to the State Revolving Fund.