Tri County vocational school project advances despite delays and funding challenges

Taxpayer Concerns and School Construction Updates Dominate Millis Finance Committee Meeting

At the recent Finance Committee meeting in Millis, Massachusetts, discussions centered on the significant financial implications of local school construction projects, particularly the Tri County vocational school. A committee member, who is also a taxpayer, highlighted the anticipated $350 million cost of rebuilding a vocational school in their community, emphasizing the burden this places on taxpayers.

The meeting provided an update on the construction progress of the Tri County school, which has faced delays due to environmental concerns, including disputes over wetland classifications. Despite these challenges, the project remains on track, with an expected opening date in September 2027. The construction team reported that they are currently ahead of schedule and on budget, although they are monitoring potential tariff impacts on steel costs, which could add an unexpected $2 million to the project.

Committee members also discussed state reimbursement rates for school construction, noting that while the state offers a reimbursement rate of 56.2%, the actual return is closer to 33% after accounting for eligible expenses. This discrepancy has led to calls for an increased reimbursement rate to better reflect the costs of specialized facilities, such as medical and dental labs, compared to standard classroom spaces.

The meeting concluded with expressions of gratitude for the hard work of school officials and committee members, who are navigating complex financial and logistical challenges to ensure the success of local educational facilities. As the community looks ahead, the focus remains on balancing fiscal responsibility with the need for quality educational infrastructure.