The Milford Board of Selectmen on Monday authorized Interim Town Administrator Mike Viola to execute the town’s Affinity LED lighting contract and to finalize lease terms with the finance director, with the board expressing a preference for a six‑year payment term.

Board discussion focused on a discrepancy between a previously advertised payback estimate of under five years and the leasing options presented in the contract packet, which offered six‑ or eight‑year payment schedules. Selectman Chris Labonte said the financing schedule differed from what the board had been shown earlier and asked whether the longer payment option would prevent the board from reducing the town’s electricity line item in the budget. Finance director Troy (first name only in the record) and Selectman Paul Darje explained that payback (the point when cumulative energy savings equal the project cost) can occur faster than the payment schedule; the contract presents payment‑term options independent of the modeled energy payback.

After questioning about prepayment penalties, interest rates and the financing quote expiration date (noted in the packet as seven days after May 21), the board settled on authorizing the interim town administrator to sign the Affinity contract provided the town’s finance director reviews the municipal leasing (MCL) lease agreement. The board explicitly stated a preference for a six‑year term. Motion language reported at the meeting authorized the town administrator to sign the Affinity contract and to work with the finance director on financing terms; the motion was made by Selectman Chris Labonte and seconded by Selectwoman Tina Philberg and carried by voice vote.

Viola said the contractor will not begin work until a 50% deposit is received; board members cited the incentive to act quickly to realize energy savings but asked for clarity on prepayment and interest provisions before finalizing the lease purchase. Finance director Troy offered to review the MCL leasing contract and report back with answers on prepayment penalties, interest and early‑payoff options.

The board’s action authorizes staff to complete the contract execution steps while reserving detailed financing approval to the town administrator in consultation with finance. The contract and financing will affect the town’s budgetary debt schedule for the coming years; the board indicated the six‑year option better aligns with the presentation’s shorter payback rationale.