Site plan for new Milford Police Department building

Milford voters pass police station referendum

Terry RogersMilford Headline Story, Police & Fire

Site plan for new Milford Police Department building

Site plan for new Milford Police Department building

On Tuesday, Jan. 26, voters in the City of Milford passed a bond referendum allowing the city to borrow up to $20 million to build a new police station. There were 577 votes cast in the referendum with 390 (68%) cast for the bond bill and 187 (32%) cast against the measure.

“I am so enlightened right now,” Mayor Archie Campbell said. “I feel like a brick has been lifted from me and I am walking on a cloud. Finally, the people of Milford will get the police station they need. I want to thank everyone who took the time and came out to vote today.”

Councilman Todd Culotta commented that the people had spoken, and it was clear that they fully support the police. Councilman Culotta stated that it was now up to council to come up with a final cost for the police station and keep it as low as possible for the taxpayer.

“I am pleased the voters have voted to provide themselves with an adequate police station,” Councilman Jason James said. “This station will allow our safety officers to do their best to protect and serve. Now, it is the duty of city management and council to insure that we do the work on behalf of the people that the cost is as minimal as possible to keep the tax burden as low as possible.”

Councilman Mike Boyle was also pleased at the passage of the referendum. He thanked Chief Brown for taking the lead on the initiative, believing that it was the Chief’s hard work that convinced the voters that a new police station was necessary.

Now that the resolution has passed, the next step is for the city to conduct a rating call in early February and they should receive the bond rate in mid-February. It is believed that the bonds will be issued in ranges between 1 and 2 percent. The city plans to invite bids for the project at the end of February, price bonds in early March and settle on those bonds by mid-March.

The city hopes to keep the project below the $20 million limit. It is believed the cost will be between $12 and $18 million. A Citizens Police Facility Oversight Committee comprised of community members and city leaders will review plans for the building and work to keep the costs as low as possible.

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