The Milford Town Council held a deliberative meeting on February 1, 2025, focusing on various community concerns, particularly regarding the local river infrastructure and potential studies related to it. The meeting began with discussions about the need for comprehensive assessments of the river's condition and the implications of any changes in water levels on existing structures.

One council member emphasized the importance of providing voters with case studies from other New England towns that have undergone similar assessments. This information could help clarify the recommendations being made and the potential regulatory impacts that might arise from such studies. Concerns were raised about the risks of initiating a study, with one member warning that it could lead to unwanted regulatory actions, such as the removal of local dams.

The topic of tax implications related to the proposed studies was also a significant point of discussion. An amendment was proposed to clarify that the tax impact of the article in question was unknown, which sparked a debate about the responsibilities of the select board in determining tax impacts. It was noted that the determination of tax implications is not subject to amendment during this meeting.

Further contributions from community members highlighted past issues faced by nearby towns, such as dam-related problems in Wilton, which included the discovery of toxic waste. This served as a cautionary example of the potential consequences of river management decisions.

Additionally, representatives from the Milford to the Souhegan River Local Advisory Committee expressed a desire for more community involvement in their efforts, seeking additional representatives from Milford to join their committee. They also clarified that the responsibility for maintaining the town's dam lies with the town itself, regardless of any studies conducted.

The meeting concluded with a call for further engagement and consideration of the implications of river management, emphasizing the need for informed decision-making as the town navigates these complex issues. The council plans to continue discussions on these topics in future meetings, ensuring that community concerns are addressed.