MILFORD, DE — The Milford Police Department is aiming to enhance its resources by adding five new positions, but the avenue to secure the necessary funds is still being decided. Originally considering a 5.3% property tax increase, the department is exploring alternative solutions after the proposal went to the finance committee.
The department says that the finance committee has identified funding within the existing city budget to support the hiring of two dispatchers without imposing an additional tax burden.
Over the past year, the Police Chief in Milford conducted a staffing needs assessment, identifying the need to hire four new dispatchers and a crime analyst.
“Our goal is to not raise any city taxes, and it’s not the city councils goal, We’re trying to identify ways to increase staffing with the funds that are available." said Milford Public Relations Officer Sergeant Timothy Maloney
While the station is not a designated 911 center, the department often receives direct calls, leading to a significant challenge with only two dispatchers available at times.
"It would help us have proper staffing in our dispatch center, not only for the officers out in the street to make sure they're receiving the proper information, but also for the people that are calling in that won’t have to wait long periods of time to get that help," said Sergeant Maloney.
He added the role of the Crime Analyst would help the department better allocate their resources to specific areas of the city.
However, the plan for funding the other three positions remains uncertain. Some residents, like Frank Alcocer, say that funds could be better utilized for increased community outreach rather than additional staffing.
"When is it gonna end? Our taxes are high enough, we have high crime here no doubt, but the amount of crime we have we need more community policing, I think the money can be spent better elsewhere," said Alcocer.
Others like neighbor John Allen have no objections to the department's need for more resources.
"If it benefits the community, then I'm all for it. How do I put it, do I like paying taxes? No, nobody does, but if it benefits the community, we should do it," said Allen.
The proposal to hire two dispatchers using existing city funds is scheduled for discussion at the upcoming City Council meeting, while the remaining three positions are expected to be addressed later in the spring or included in the 2025 budget deliberations.
