Milford City Council March 11 Meeting

Members of the Milford City Council heard budget presentations from local organizations and an overview of statewide cannabis regulations from Josh Sanderlin during a March 11 workshop. (Photo courtesy of Milford City Council.)

Members of the Milford City Council heard budget presentations and updates from several local organizations during a council workshop held March 11, including the Carlisle Fire Company, Milford Public Library, Downtown Milford Inc., the Greater Milford Chamber of Commerce and the Milford Museum.

The workshop also included a presentation from Delaware’s Marijuana Commissioner regarding cannabis regulations and enforcement across the state.

Finance committee discussion highlights transparency concerns

During the workshop, Julie Morris thanked the city’s Finance Committee for providing a detailed explanation of the city’s budget packet and for asking thorough questions during the review process.

Morris emphasized the importance of transparency in the budget requests submitted by community organizations receiving city funding, including Downtown Milford Inc., the Greater Milford Chamber of Commerce, the Milford Museum, the Milford Public Library and the Carlisle Fire Company.

She said she would like the public to have access to the full fiscal year 2027 operating budgets, as well as prior-year actual financials and the specific amounts requested from the city.

Morris also questioned the funding request from the Carlisle Fire Company, noting that the department reported approximately $4.4 million in revenue and $1.9 million in expenses in 2024.

She suggested that the organization’s request for $350,000 from the city might be adequate when additional revenue sources are considered.

State marijuana commissioner outlines regulatory program

Council members were introduced to Josh Sanderlin, who provided an overview of Delaware’s marijuana regulatory program.

Sanderlin was joined by Lt. Diana and Sgt. Clark from the state’s marijuana task force.

He told council members that three licensed companies currently operate in the Milford area: Columbia Care, Merry Medand Fresh.

Sanderlin outlined the regulatory framework for Delaware’s cannabis industry, which includes background checks, strict security requirements and comprehensive oversight from cultivation through retail sale.

Security measures include armed guards, video surveillance systems and strict ID verification to prevent minors from accessing cannabis products.

He also described the state’s “seed-to-sale” tracking system, which monitors cannabis products throughout the supply chain and ensures that products are tested and regulated before reaching consumers.

Council raises concerns about illicit cannabis sales

During the discussion, Councilman Maribella asked about the presence of illicit cannabis sales in the Milford area.

Sanderlin confirmed that unregulated sales remain a challenge statewide and said enforcement efforts continue to target illegal operations.

Council members also asked about the federal proposal to reclassify cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under federal law. Sanderlin said the change would likely have limited impact on Delaware’s cannabis industry but could affect certain tax structures.

One councilwoman also raised concerns about the city receiving little direct tax revenue from cannabis sales and how that may affect local governance.

Officials also discussed the growth of unregulated smoke shops and the potential risks they pose, including the sale of untested products and access by underage users. Sanderlin said state officials continue working to strengthen enforcement and regulatory oversight.

Carlisle Fire Company outlines FY2027 funding needs

Representatives from the Carlisle Fire Company presented their fiscal year 2027 funding request and outlined the department’s operational priorities.

Officials emphasized the importance of ensuring safety for both volunteer and career firefighters while responding to increasing demand for emergency services.

Among the challenges highlighted were difficulties recruiting and retaining volunteers, rising personnel and benefit costs, and increasing operational and overhead expenses.

The fire company is requesting a $350,000 increase in funding from the city.

Milford Public Library highlights community programming

The Milford Public Library also presented its annual report and budget request.

Library officials reported hosting 941 programs, workshops and classes that attracted 17,653 attendees.

The library reported total income of $794,877 and highlighted partnerships with community organizations, as well as collaborations with state and national agencies.

Plans for a new facility were also discussed, with an estimated project cost of $4.9 million. The library is requesting $30,000 from the city for fiscal year 2027.

Officials said the expanded facility would allow the library to offer additional services and spaces for residents and visitors.

Chamber outlines plans for Riverwalk Festival

The Greater Milford Chamber of Commerce presented its annual report and funding request during the workshop.

Officials announced that the next Riverwalk Freedom Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19.

The chamber explained how the city’s $35,000 contribution helped fund the 2025 festival and said it is requesting the same amount to support the 2026 event.

Milford Museum reports continued program success

Leaders from the Milford Museum highlighted several ongoing programs, including the American History Series lecture program, the Traveling Trunk educational program and the “This Month in Milford History” initiative.

Museum officials also discussed the success of their Hippie Fest fundraiser and ongoing efforts to expand local history programming.

Downtown Milford Inc. highlights economic impact and new initiatives

Representatives from Downtown Milford Inc. reported that the organization operates with an annual budget of $148,000 and is requesting $50,000 in city funding for fiscal year 2027, the same amount requested in the previous two years.

Officials highlighted Milford’s population growth, noting the city increased from 9,559 residents in 2010 to 14,079 in 2024.

They also cited business diversity statistics showing 187 women-owned businesses and 59 minority-owned businesses in the city as of 2022.

Downtown Milford Inc. also outlined several initiatives, including the return of the Eat in the Street event this year and the addition of a new Chef’s Challenge.

Officials said the organization is also pursuing grant funding for its “Five for Five” program and an awning and facade improvement initiative aimed at repairing or replacing all downtown awnings. Additional improvements being explored include replacing or repairing downtown bike racks in partnership with the city.

Downtown Milford Inc. launched the Milford Store in May, selling Milford-themed merchandise, and reported that events organized by the group have generated as much as $6.7 million in economic activity for the city.

Officials also noted trends affecting downtown districts, including visitors prioritizing experiences over traditional retail and increasing demand for digital convenience. Possible streetscape improvements could be considered in the future as part of downtown development efforts.