Millis Town Meeting approves special article for emergency building repairs funding

The Select Board of Millis, Massachusetts convened on April 7, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, primarily focused on financial management and operational improvements for the town.

The meeting began with discussions surrounding the establishment of a special revenue fund. This fund will allow the town to manage specific financial allocations tied to the upcoming town meeting. The board agreed to delete Article 10 from the warrant, reallocating $250,000 for a Tri County debt payment, which will be included in the operational budget rather than as a separate article.

Next, the board addressed Article 11, proposing a transfer of $300,000 from free cash for unanticipated building repairs across municipal and school buildings. The finance director and facilities director emphasized the necessity of this fund to address urgent repairs, particularly for older buildings like the town hall and the high school. While some board members expressed concerns about the potential perception of circumventing the Capital Planning Committee, they acknowledged the importance of having a mechanism to respond to emergencies without waiting for the annual town meeting cycle.

Article 12, which pertains to tax exemptions for means-tested senior citizens related to school building projects, was also discussed. This article aims to provide financial relief to eligible seniors, allowing them to apply for waivers annually. The board clarified that the costs associated with these exemptions would be distributed among the remaining taxpayers.

The board then moved on to Article 13, which seeks to amend the town's charter by changing the town clerk position from elected to appointed. This change is intended to streamline operations and ensure continuity in the role. The board confirmed that this amendment would be followed by a ballot question in the upcoming town election.

Article 14 proposed the establishment of a Tri Board Committee, comprising the Select Board, School Committee, and Finance Committee. This committee would meet regularly to discuss the town's financial and operational status, enhancing collaboration and planning for future budgets.

Finally, Article 15 focused on transferring the care and management of certain town-owned properties to allow for their potential sale. The board noted that many of these properties are small and do not serve any municipal purpose, and selling them could help generate revenue for the town.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the board's commitment to improving financial management and operational efficiency within Millis. The proposed articles aim to address immediate needs while also planning for the future, ensuring that the town can respond effectively to both anticipated and unanticipated challenges. The board plans to finalize these articles for the upcoming town meeting, with further discussions expected as they prepare for the vote.