Ken and Libby Tracy

Our beautiful City of Milford.

Meet our Above & Beyond – Business Award Winner for 2024, City of Milford:
We recently had a chance to talk with Michael Doss, City Manager, and learn more about the inner workings of our City! 

☀️ What are the key departments that keep the City operating smoothly? Can you tell us a bit about them and their responsibilities?

The key departments that keep the City of Milford operating smoothly encompass a range of essential services:

    • Service Department: Responsible for maintaining public infrastructure such as roads, parks, and facilities, as well as providing services like waste management and snow removal.
    • Police Department: Ensures public safety and law enforcement within the city, including emergency response, crime prevention, and community engagement.
    • Fire Department: Protects lives and property through fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention, and public education.
    • Administration: Oversees the overall operations of the city government, including budgeting, planning, and policy implementation.
    • Community Development: Manages planning, zoning, and economic development initiatives to promote sustainable growth and enhance quality of life.
    • Public Works: Handles water and sewer systems, as well as infrastructure projects related to utilities and transportation.

From Left: Michael Doss (City Manager), Mark Thompson (Council Member), Janet Cooper (City Council Member), Jackie Bain (Clerk of Council), Lisa Evans (Mayor of Milford) and Jamey Mills (Chief of Police)

☀️ With regard to supporting the community, what are the various things the City does – for instance, plantings around town; lights during the holidays; keeping the roads clean; picking up brush.

The City of Milford supports the community in various ways, including:

    • Beautification efforts such as plantings around town and holiday lights, which enhance the aesthetic appeal of the city and foster community pride.
    • Maintenance of public spaces and infrastructure, including road cleaning, brush pickup, and snow removal, ensuring safe and accessible environments for residents and visitors.
    • Providing essential services that may go unnoticed but are vital for a functioning community, such as waste management, street lighting, and public safety measures.

These efforts are important because they contribute to the overall well-being and livability of the community, creating a welcoming and vibrant environment for residents and businesses alike.

☀️ The Chamber has always received exemplary service from City personnel, whether that is figuring out a liquor license (my first year, I was told I had to do a liquor license on the very day it had to be postmarked – without being walked through each step by a variety of City personnel, Frontier Days would not have had been that year!). It’s wonderful to know that whether we have a question for your office, the Service department, the Police department, or others, people will jump to help us. How do you foster that attitude of service within the organization?

The attitude of service within the organization is fostered through:

    • Leadership emphasizing a culture of responsiveness, accountability, and collaboration.
    • Training and development programs that prioritize customer service and problem-solving skills.
    • Clear communication channels and a commitment to addressing community needs in a timely and efficient manner.

This approach ensures that City personnel are empowered to provide exemplary service and support to organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and the broader community.

☀️ The City’s Service Department has a wide variety of responsibilities, and they are always on top of them. Can you tell us a bit about the Service Director and some of his key people?

The Service Department, led by the Service Director, plays a crucial role in maintaining city infrastructure and providing essential services. Key personnel within the department demonstrate expertise and dedication in areas such as:

    • Public works management
    • Facility maintenance
    • Waste management
    • Environmental stewardship
    • Emergency response planning

The Service Director and his team are committed to ensuring the efficient operation of city services and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Police Chief Jamey Mills celebrating Halloween in our community.

☀️ The Police Dept is another group that we work with extensively. They are always so supportive, and they’re willing to be flexible and try new things (like Splash Zones). What can you tell us about the department’s leadership?

The Police Department’s leadership is characterized by:

    • A commitment to community-oriented policing and proactive crime prevention strategies.
    • Strong communication and collaboration with community stakeholders, including the Chamber of Commerce and local organizations.
    • Flexibility and innovation in addressing emerging challenges and implementing new initiatives to enhance public safety and build trust with the community.

The department’s leadership prioritizes responsiveness, professionalism, and a commitment to serving the needs of the community.

☀️ We of course loved working with Taryn, and we look forward to working with your new events person. I know part of that job is a commitment to partner with the Chamber and other organizations, such as HMA. Why is that important to the City?

Partnering with organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and HMA is important to the City because:

    • It fosters collaboration and synergy in promoting economic development, tourism, and community engagement.
    • By working together, the City and its partners can leverage resources and expertise to maximize the impact of initiatives and events.
    • It strengthens relationships between the public and private sectors, enhancing mutual understanding and support for shared goals and priorities.

Overall, these partnerships contribute to the vibrancy and resilience of the local community.

☀️ The City has always been such a great partner to the Chamber and other local organizations. Why is it important to ensure events such as Frontier Days, Augtoberfest, and others have extensive support from City personnel?

Extensive support from City personnel for events like Frontier Days and Augtoberfest is important because:

    • It demonstrates the City’s commitment to fostering a thriving local economy and vibrant community life.
    • City personnel play key roles in ensuring the success and safety of events, from logistical support to emergency response coordination.
    • Collaboration between the City and event organizers enhances the overall experience for attendees and reinforces Milford’s reputation as a welcoming and inclusive community.

☀️ The City also runs its own events, such as Sparks in the Park and the upcoming new Farmer’s Market. Why is it important for the City to hold events such as this?

The City’s own events, such as Sparks in the Park and the Farmer’s Market, are important because:

    • They provide opportunities for community engagement, recreation, and cultural enrichment.
    • These events contribute to the local economy by attracting visitors and supporting local businesses.
    • They promote civic pride and a sense of belonging among residents, fostering a strong community spirit.

☀️ Is there anything else you’d like to share?

The City of Milford is honored to receive the Above & Beyond Business Award from the Chamber of Commerce. We are committed to continuing our efforts to support and enhance the quality of life for all residents and businesses in our community. We value our partnerships with organizations like the Chamber and look forward to future collaboration in pursuit of shared goals and objectives. Thank you for recognizing our dedication to going above and beyond for Milford.

☀️ ☀️ ☀️ 

Website: https://www.milfordohio.org/

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