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Milford aldermen approve $600,000 cash advance for Founders Walk amid debate over reimbursement risk; several executive items also passed
Summary
After hours of debate the board voted 8–4 to front $600,000 for the Founders Walk reimbursement grant; during the meeting the board also approved a remnant settlement, a tax‑lien sale, an AFSCME contract and an opioid remediation account.
The Milford Board of Aldermen voted on April 6 to approve a $600,000 cash advance to support the Founders Walk project, approving a resolution that authorizes the city to front reimbursement‑eligible costs even though state funding will be claimed later.
Alderman Michael Smith III and others pressed why the city should assume the up‑front risk. "I'm not willing to take that risk," said one alderman who opposed fronting grant funds, arguing the project should self‑fund the advance instead of asking the city to commit general‑fund cash. Mayor Rich Smith and staff responded that the funding is a reimbursable state grant and described a long record of timely reimbursements for approved grants: "If we didn't have reimbursable grants, we wouldn't be getting any grants," the mayor said.
A senator attending the meeting reiterated that the award is a reimbursement grant appropriated in the state budget for fiscal year 2026; board members noted that if the contract is not signed by May 1 the road work would be delayed until October. After debate the board approved the cash advance/resolution by roll call, 8 yes to 4 no.
Executive session items and outcomes: following a closed session on property and labor matters the board approved a remnant settlement agreement (unanimous), considered and approved the sale of a tax lien on 409 Woodmont Road (vote 8 yes, 4 no after an unsuccessful amendment to table the item), and ratified a collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Local 3322 covering July 1, 2024–June 30, 2028 (unanimous). The board also established a dedicated reserve account for opioid remediation funds and approved parameters for future spending consistent with the settlement agreement.
One alderman objected to discussing a city asset sale in executive session, saying, "When the city is selling a city asset, I don't think it should be discussed in executive session," and another motion to table the tax‑lien sale failed on a 5‑yes, 7‑no vote before the original motion passed 8‑4.
What this means: The Founders Walk cash‑advance allows the project schedule to proceed with the expectation of state reimbursement; the tax‑lien sale, the remnant settlement and the AFSCME contract clear administrative and legal matters addressed in the executive session. The opioid remediation account creates a funding vehicle for settlement proceeds and possible future grants or city‑administered programs.
