Milford Budget Proposal Details: Here's What You Need To Know

MILFORD, CT — For the past four years, Milford residents have seen their taxes decrease slightly each year. Will that happen for a fifth straight year? That remains to be seen.

Mayor Ben Blake told Patch that "while the (Board of Finance) and (Board of Aldermen) will spend the next several months developing a final budget that is as flat as possible, this will be a challenging year. "

The initial $224.92 million budget proposal for fiscal 2020-21 represents a 3.87 percent spending hike.

"Over the past several fiscal cycles, increases in expenditures have been offset by growth in the city’s Grand List – and, we anticipate Milford tax base to continue to expand. We will not have a projected mill rate/tax rate until Assessor presents grand list at end of month," Blake added.

That $224.92 million figure often represents a worst-case scenario and usually decreases over the next several months after both the Finance and Aldermen make adjustments.

In a press release, Blake said, "This proposal strikes the delicate, yet critical balance between investing in the essential City services residents expect while keeping taxes and spending low.

"The budget proposal reflects a starting point for the Board of Finance and Board of Aldermen to consider as Milford moves to prioritize resources and adopt a collective vision for our city’s future. While a projected tax rate/mill rate for 20/21 cannot be calculated until after the Grand List is presented at the end of the month, City leaders will continue to work towards a final budget that keeps Milford’s tax rate as flat as possible.

"Our city has accomplished much by streamlining the way government operates and by making management processes more effective than ever. Milford’s drive for progressive efficiency has paid off with dividends that include unprecedented economic expansion, important advances in city schools, significant development of recreational amenities, and notable enhancements to critical public infrastructure – all while cutting taxes for the past four years in a row.

"Clearly, we have achieved considerable success that has benefited the quality of life for our residents. At the same time, these community gains have been realized without any additional tax rate increase. For 2020-2021, however, several unavoidable cost drivers have infiltrated the projected inventory of city expenses. Rising health care costs, added educational outlays, growing pension contributions, and mounting contractual wage obligations are placing tremendous pressure on next year’s budget.

As we look to future finances and plan for all the good work yet to be done, Milford must seek an appropriate balance between our aspirations for positive growth and the investment required to realize sustainable forward progress.

With this in mind, our budget deliberations provide us the opportunity to fight for the changes we need and to defend the traditions that define us as a community. As we work for stronger schools, affordable taxes and productive government, there will be fundamental challenges confronting Milford - together, we will rise to meet those challenges head-on to ensure that the small city with a big heart is more than just a slogan, but a way of life," Blake concludes his prepared remarks.

The final budget and tax rate are finalized in May.