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Milford board approves office furniture purchase; quote may be affected by tariffs
Summary
Milford selectmen approved a proposal to purchase new ergonomic office furniture for the dispatch director’s office, while noting the supplier quote expires and potential import tariffs could raise the final cost.
Milford selectmen voted to accept a proposal for new office furniture for the dispatch director’s office, the board decided at its May 15 meeting.
The vote follows a presentation by Ray, the department director, who described the current office as ergonomically inadequate and showed a furniture rendering designed to fit a smaller third workstation office. "The new solution is actually measured out ergonomic approach to office furniture," Ray said during the meeting, adding the furniture would include a lockable cabinet and additional storage that could later move if office assignments change.
The proposal included line-item figures Ray read into the record: a desk purchase price quoted at $6,633 and delivery and installation quoted at $1,645. Ray also told the board the vendor’s written quote was issued April 22 and that quotes are valid for 14 days. He cautioned that proposed U.S. tariffs on imported goods could affect the final price, saying the tariff amount is not yet known and could change between 0% and a much higher rate. "The tariffs aren't set in stone," Ray said.
Board members discussed timing and budget impact. Ray said the operating budget is tracking well and that end-of-year surpluses in several line items make funding feasible; he also described the health-care line as the department’s typical source of surplus. Members asked whether the board should set a spending ceiling or return for further approval if tariffs increased; the board declined to set a ceiling, citing the quote’s short validity and the risk that delay could increase the price.
After discussion, a motion "to accept the proposal for the office furniture" was moved and seconded and carried. The board did not specify a fixed cap should tariffs be applied; Ray said he would report back to the board if the vendor invoices additional tariff charges.
The board’s approval authorizes execution of the vendor proposal as presented at the meeting, subject to any subsequent notices of added fees that Ray brings back to the board.
The record shows the vendor quote issued April 22 with a 14-day validity and the furniture procurement was approved May 15; board members asked the director to report any tariff-driven adjustments if they occur.
