By Elle Wood

MILFORD — City Council on Thursday reviewed proposed projects in the capital improvement portion of the $17 million budget for fiscal year 2025 but made no decisions on them.

Parks & Recreation has new plans for maintenance and improvements, like upgrades to its building, and has requested $467,000.

These join already approved efforts, like an update to Riverwalk equipment, maintenance of the pickleball and basketball courts, planting trees, installing equipment for shade across the city, developing an outdoor volleyball court, adding public restrooms downtown and a City Hall plaza.

However, council members stated a need to ensure that the prioritized projects are ones that will have the biggest impact.

“In a budget year where we are pretty tight because of health care costs, I think it will be vital that we look at this closely and decide if all these are a priority this year,” Mayor Todd Culotta said.

One of the biggest initiatives for the Milford Police Department is camera equipment, including upgrades to bodycams and fleet video.

The agency is requesting $74,000 to help with these improvements, as legislation has passed that all officers must wear the cameras, according to Chief Cecilia Ashe, who added that she has also requested grant funding from the state to cover the cost.

She said the department’s staff have worn the equipment since 2014.

In addition, the Milford Corporate Center was highlighted during the meeting. Officials hope to begin the first phase of its construction soon, which will include entrances on Canterbury Road and Milford Harrington Highway, along with the internal infrastructure of the complex, like sewer and water.

In 2025, about $6.3 million for the center is being sought.
Other proposals in the capital improvement plan are upgrades to the Public Works Department garage and sewer extensions.
Council members will continue to review the budget as written, with hopes to approve it prior to the start of fiscal year 2025 on July 1.

For information about Milford’s proposed 2025 fiscal year budget, visit cityofmilford.com.