Milford aldermen adopt 2026–30 capital improvement plan after debate; 10–5 vote

The Milford Board of Aldermen voted 10–5 to adopt the city’s 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Plan on Feb. 1 after extended debate about process and funding.

The plan, described by staff as a 214‑page compilation of department requests and projected needs, does not itself authorize spending but lists projects that may be brought forward when funding is identified. Alderman Paul Healy said the document serves as a comprehensive listing from departments and reiterated that any individual project will return to the board for funding approval.

Alderman Smith the third objected to the plan’s aggregate figures and the absence of identified funding for many line items, calling specific project totals “not good financial management” and saying he would not support the plan unless aldermen could vote on items line by line. He said the plan included items totaling “$281,000,000” and questioned why the list could not be broken into separate votes.

Other aldermen defended the plan as a necessary planning tool. Alderman Bevin said adopting the plan does not lock the board into spending and preserves the board’s ability to approve or reject projects when they come forward.

On the roll call, the board recorded 10 yes and 5 no (see vote record). After the vote, the chair announced the motion carried and the plan will stand as the city's five‑year planning list; individual projects will be brought back with identified funding sources when ready.

What’s next: Department heads will continue to refine project priorities and funding; items that require bonding, state grants, or other identified revenue sources will be presented for separate board consideration.