Monday night’s Milford Town Council meeting heard analysis from John Julien of Umbaugh and Associates on the financial condition of utilities and recommendations on how to proceed.

According to Julien, 2015 marks the final stage of Milford’s incremental 35 percent sewage rate increase. As a result, the utilities’ sewage budget will be “stronger into 2016,” with an approximately $67,000 improvement in revenue.

Julien added due to inflation, “We should be building up cash … operating costs will go up.” In order to avoid another phase-in, he suggested, within the next five years, the town raise the rates 5 percent to meet operating costs.

Water raises “A little more concern,” said Julien. “You need to think about an adjustment.” He said the town doesn’t have a cash cushion and it may want to use county economic development income tax dollars to address the problem. The council passed a motion to spend $6,500 on a water rate study conducted by Umbaugh.

In police business, Town Marshal Rich Miotto received Ryan Reed’s resignation, and told the council he believes it needs to hire a “full-time guy” to deal with future increases in population. A full-time officer could help at the school, vacation relief and citations, said Miotto. “We need to stay ahead.” The council also passed a motion to send Travis Marsh to Police Leadership Academy training.

The council also tabled a complaint lodged by Cathy Veach on behalf of her daughter, Amanda, she had been overcharged for a party held at the community building. She is seeking a $60 refund.