Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Milford public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in taxes budget with high priority
Fund Reserve Policy Revisions (FY26)
The city is updating its 2021 reserve policy and adding a utility transfer rule, which shapes how much money is set aside and transferred between the city's utilities and general fund.
Fund reserve policy and utility transfers
Council approved moving $400,000 from water and sewer funds to balance the budget — the second year in a row of using utility transfers, though this time sparing the electric fund.
FY 2027 budget squeeze preview
The finance director warned that cost escalations make next year's general fund budget a real challenge, and staff are planning creative uses of FY26 surpluses to balance it — the same approach used in 2024 and 2025.
Fiscal Year 2026 Tax Warrant
Property tax bills of just over $7 million go out in August. The rate went up a penny, adding about $114,000, plus roughly $200,000 from growth — about $300,000 more than last year.
Audit Services Bid Award
The city is picking the firm that will audit its books for the next three years, which affects how confidently residents and lenders can trust the city's financial reporting.
FY2024 City Audit
The city received a clean audit for fiscal 2024, though the audit remains late until fiscal 2026 is caught up, with comments on bank reconciliations and cash presentation.
County Assessments
Milford will use Kent and Sussex County's new assessments instead of running its own reassessment, saving an estimated $400,000. Homeowners will see specific tax impacts by December 2026.