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Show A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION Monday night in a special meeting of the City Council, a forward step in the future development of Milford City was taken, which could have far raaching effects on the future development of the community, as well as make a significant change in the quality of the services provided iby the city at present. The Council accepted the Preliminary Report on the sewer and water project, in its basic revised form, and agreed to proceed along those lines to revamp Milford's Sewer and water system including the drilling of a new well, construction of a half million gallon storage facility, pressurizing the water system and replacement of the mains and feeder lines which are needed. The project, for the most part will afford a perimeter line which will in the main connect all the dead-end lines and eliminate the stagnant and bad water areas of the community. com-munity. The sewer portion will provide a new out-fall, a lagoon system of sewage treatment and replace old and bad lines where most needed. The cost of this project will be reflected in a raise in rates, though your water rate will be reduced, a sewage sew-age and garbage rate will eventually be established which will raise the overall cost for services. Applications have been made for grants from EDA, EPA, and the Four Corners Commission. Federal loans and grants have been applied for from Farmers Home Administration. Total cost of the project is estimated at approximately $700,000.00, of which, if all grant monies are received, the citizens of Milford would be expected to repay some $216,000.00. For the past year or better, we have argued and cajoled for the city to investigate and consider going the route without federal funds. Past experience has shown us that total costs are greatly reduced and that the city would not be hindered Iby the delays and red tape connected con-nected with construction with federal funds. We are opposed op-posed to federal funds, because they have been badly abused, because the tendency has been in most areas, that because the money is free (that's debatable) to so whole hog, and buy more than you need. Often projects are started not on the basis of need, but because federal funds are available. The abuses are more often created by the haves, than by the have-nots, simply because they can afford the personnel to look for and get federal funds. Our prejudices to federal funds is due mainly to the abuses, which have been permitted. They have succeeded only in making the wealthy, wealthier. Farm subsidies, OEO loans rarely help those for whom they were originally origin-ally intended. Grants cause otherwise conscientious watchers watch-ers of the purse strings, to pay $100,000 for something only worth $25,000. We also must admit that our prejudices pre-judices may be influenced by the fact that newspapers are not eligible for any federal monies, grants, loans or subsidies. Costs to the citizens are about the same, depending on whether the city fathers become spendthrifts with the "free money" which raises the costs, or keep the project within the confines of what is actually needed, in which case, the cost to local citizens will probably be less. In this instance, we have decided at this time to support sup-port the city's bid for the federal funds, because we believe be-lieve that with the reduction of the project to $700,000.00 ; from $1,075,000.00, that the city's portion, $216,000.00 will be lower than if they were to proceed in a like manner on their own. At any rate your water, sewer and garbage rates will not be affected by the decision as either method, dictates a raise in rates, to an "average cost level", for the same services, as they are charged by neighboring communities. This is required in order that for the city to sell bonds, which are necessary to finance the project, which is necessary whether done with federal help or on the open market, or on a pay as you go plan. We believe that the future development of Milford, as well as the continued existence, on the levels of the past, dictate that the project be completed. We admire the fortitude of our city fathers, for facing the issue and making mak-ing this decision. We ask that you give them your support sup-port in this endeavor. Red |