5 Things You Need to Know Today: Oct. 4

Our weekday morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations.

1. The cost of , for the town of Milford, has totaled about $85,000, according to minutes of the Sept. 14 Finance Committee meeting. The town will submit expenses for things such as brush and tree removal, to the federal Emergency Management Agency, for expected reimbursement at 75 percent.

2. have appointed Wendell Phillips Jr. as assistant town accountant. Nineteen people applied for the hourly position, and Phillips, a town resident, was among two finalists. He will earn $18.47 an hour and begins Oct. 31. The number of applicants — all with a bachelor's degree and several with master's degrees — was "a sign of the economy," said Town Administrator Louis Celozzi.

3. An attorney representing , the owner of a house at 8 Blanchard Rd., has contacted town officials about the proposed razing. Town Administrator Louis Celozzi said the town still plans to move ahead with a demolition, if voters approve the funds Oct. 24. To proceed, the town is getting quotes on removal of asbestos.

4. A house owned by the town at has had its utlities shut off, in preparation for a razing to make room for more greenspace. The demolition will be done in-house, as has volunteered to knock it down himself with rented equipment, according to town selectmen.

5. in Milford will be taking applications this month from families who are in . Families in Mendon, Hopedale and Milford are eligible. Residents need to bring identification, proof of family income, proof of residence and birth certificates for children to the intake sessions, which will be Oct. 11, 12 and 13.