A public hearing held on March 10 at the regular meeting of Milford City Council yielded no opposition or support for a referendum planned for Saturday, April 26 from 10 AM to 6 PM at the Public Works facility located on 180 Vickers Drive. This referendum would be to issue bonds to borrow for a new water tower that would be constructed near the new Milford Corporate Center that would serve northern areas of the town.
“Staff identified the need for growth driven water improvements as far back as 2020 and earlier. The improvements include water tower, water production and water treatment,” Lou Vitola, Finance Director, said at a previous meeting. “The project was included as part of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) but the need as materialized as we march forward with the Milford Corporate Center.”
Vitola explained that the cost of the project is best financed through long-term debt and that it could have been covered with surplus impact fees which the city does not have. The payment of the debt would be covered with future impact fees which would eliminate the need for a tax increase or an increase in utility costs.
“Nonetheless, it does have to go to a special election which is scheduled for the same date as the regularly scheduled council election, Saturday, April 26, 2025,” Vitola said. This would be for a no tax increase, no utility rate referendum.”
The project is estimated to cast between $6 and $7.5 million. With no comments from the public, council approved the measure unanimously.
Normally, the referendum would be held on the same day as city elections. However, the four available seats had only one candidate file, so the council election was cancelled. Currently serving Councilmen Dan Marabello and Jason James will be sworn into office in May alongside currently serving Councilwoman Nadia Zychal. Taking the seat currently held by Councilwoman Nirmala Samaroo will be Danny Perez.
All residents within city boundaries at least 30 days prior to the referendum can vote. Voter registration is required with the State of Delaware at least 30 days before the election. Non-resident property owners who are eligible must register through Milford City Hall. Those who own property in more than one ward must declare which ward they will be voting on at least 30 days before. For more information on voting in the referendum, contact the City Clerk at 302-422-1111, Ext 1300 or 1303.
