Reflections from the Mayor
By Mayor James J. Antell

The events that occurred on September 11^th should remind us all of a concept easily forgotten: the power of the individual. Through the cloud of chaos caused by terrorist acts, came rays of heroism and selflessness: a firefighter helping a frightened victim, a police officer directing confused traffic, a restaurant owner supplying complimentary meals to hungry safety personnel, and a brave passenger altering a doomed flight path aimed for the nation's capital. These single acts of heroism have anchored our country through controversy this year, and it makes me proud to serve my community and my country during this time.

The power of the individual can certainly be seen in our own community as well. Volunteer citizens help advise our local government on topics of recreation, stormwater management, water quality, property maintenance, planning, and beautification. Soon individuals will plant thousands of daffodil bulbs, which will allow Milford to become a city in bloom by spring. Whether it's the high-school student visiting a SEM resident, a cub scout picking up litter, or a firefighter collecting funds for MDA during a boot drive, this fall you will see and read about the effects of the power of the individual. Let's take the lessons learned from the September 11^th events and use them as fuel for motivation to improve our community.

In celebration of heroic acts and in memory of lives lost, the City will hold a candlelight vigil on September 11^th, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the American Legion and ending with a ceremony at Victor Stier Memorial Park at 7:00 p.m. American flag banners will be displayed throughout the City this fall, and a monument will also be placed at the park in recognition of the lives lost on September 11, 2002.

9-11 Tree: A Day of Remembrance
By Nancy Storch

The Greater Milford Area Historical Society will commemorate the 9-11 tragedy with the dedication of a Blue Spruce tree and engraved rock on the premises of the Promont House Museum. A ceremony beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 11, 2002 at the museum will officially remember this event that has shaped all of our lives for the past year.

The Milford/Miami Township Chamber of Commerce has graciously offered to contribute to the purchase of the tree and a marker. The Historical Society has received some donations and will welcome any and all gifts to be sent to "9-11 Tree Fund" at 906 Main Street, Milford, Ohio 45150. In fact, it is the hope of the Society to gather any remembrance in written, musical, or visual art that will call to mind the experience of that day to be saved in our archives.

The Milford Schools have been asked to participate as they are able in whatever means they choose to mark this day. Perhaps there will be some classes who can walk to Promont that day for the ceremony. The Society is committed to the preservation of the history of the area. This event has impacted this area more than we may ever know. It must not be forgotten!

A Plea From the Utility Department

Landscaping around the ARB meter reading gauge (mounted on an outside wall of the house) prevents City meter readers from accessing and gaining a reliable reading. We request a clearance of three feet around the gauge box. Our employees have the most problems in the Miami Woods, Tree Ridge, Meadows of Milford, and Stoneridge subdivisions. By allowing three feet of clearance, this will ensure readers will not damage shrubbery. If you have any questions, please contact the Utility Department, 248-5081.

Litter Collection Day

The City of Milford will hold its annual Litter Collection Day on Saturday, October 26th from 9 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Gloves, bags, and safety vests will be provided to local cub scout, girl scout, high school, and community volunteers in an effort to beautify Milford. If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please call (513) 248-5092.

City of Milford Budget Overview
by Loretta Rokey, City Manager

In response to some recent inquiries, we have decided to provide an overview of the City's largest fund for operations, including receipts and expenditures. In order to display actual numbers, we used the budget from 2001, but since that was a record year for the City in several areas of receipt, the numbers may seem a bit skewed. Furthermore, the State of Ohio has already reduced local government funds, which has affected our 2002 budget.

Actual receipts for 2001 exceeded the budget by up to $211,988. The following sources collected more funds than anticipated: Income Tax by $145,410, Estate Tax by $43,604, and Building Permits and related fees by $45,385. It is important to note that the Estate Tax is one that can change drastically from year to year.

Total expenditures were under budget by $173,311. There were $89,563 of open encumbrances on December 31, 2001; this figure was not included in the expenditure total. These encumbrances were amounts set aside for goods or services in 2001 that were either not received or the bill was not received or paid by the years end.

The City of Milford is proud to offer its residents and business owners many City services, including street maintenance and repair, leaf and brush collection, garbage and recycling collection, and safety services. These services are funded almost entirely by our 1% earnings tax, as is our police department. If you have any questions about the budget information or would like to request a copy of the current budget, please feel free to call the Finance Department at 576-5465.

¹ Collections in 2001 were at their highest for this source.

² Tax is 3% of admission fees.

³ Based on 5.25% franchise fee. 40% goes to Intercommunity Regulatory Cable Commission, and 60% to the City of Milford.

⁴ Rate is 3% of room charge