By David Hazledine
InkFreeNews

MILFORD — During clerk reports at the Nov. 23 meeting of Milford Town Council, Clerk/Treasurer Tricia Gall informed the council the town received $51,001 from the CARES Act, a federal initiative to alleviate economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds were deposited shortly after the council’s October meeting.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act was signed by President Trump in March and is the largest economic aid and stimulus package in U.S. history. The package included $150 billion to be distributed to municipalities throughout the country.

Gall also reported Milford utilities would not be charging late fees due to the governor’s order extending the public emergency thru December.

If the state emergency moves to red, said Gall, Town Hall will be closed, with employees available by appointment only.

In other financial news, Gall said Milford will also receive $3,937.92 from IPEP, the town’s worker’s compensation provider, as part of its safety grant program.

The council approved a 3% salary increase for town employees. This does not including council members, who traditionally only vote for future council raises. Ken Long noted the 3% raise is in line with the cost of living. Cockburn, who requested a 4% raise for employees, was the sole naysayer.

The council also passed two ordinances: 2020-10 set up a fund to receive money raised for police uniform and equipment purchases. Milford Police Department recently raised $11,000 in a gun raffle hosted by Syracuse Eagles 3760.

Ordinance 2020-11 is a salary ordinance allowing incoming Deputy Marshal Thomas Waikel who has 18 years of experience to receive $45,000 per year.

COVID-19 concerns led to the cancellation of the Milford town employees’ 2020 Christmas party to be held at Man Cave Brewing Company; instead, the council voted to purchase $30 gift cards to the restaurant for each employee to use at their own discretion.