Millis Town Budget Faces Adjustments Due to Election and Staffing Changes

The Finance Committee of Millis, Massachusetts, convened on April 9, 2025, to discuss various budgetary matters, including adjustments to the town clerk's office, human resources, and employee benefits. The meeting highlighted significant changes and clarifications in the town's financial planning for the upcoming fiscal year.

The committee began by addressing a notable decrease of 52% in the budget for registrars, attributed to a reduction in election-related expenses. This adjustment was necessary due to the previous year’s unusual circumstances, which included four elections instead of the typical two. The committee agreed to seek alternative funding sources for these anomaly years.

A key point of discussion was the town clerk's budget, where a correction was made regarding the election budget figures. The initial recommendation of $19,300 for salaries and elections was amended to reflect the actual request of $34,300, ensuring accurate funding for the upcoming elections.

The committee also reviewed the human resources budget, which totals $189,000 for two full-time positions and one part-time position. This budget reflects an upgrade for the benefits administrator role, addressing staffing needs within the department.

Concerns were raised regarding the substantial increase in the town clerk's office salaries, which stemmed from staffing changes following the departure of the elected town clerk. The committee discussed the necessity of hiring a full-time town clerk and a 30-hour assistant to maintain office operations effectively, pending a decision on whether the position will remain elected or transition to appointed.

Additionally, the conservation budget was scrutinized, with a proposed increase from $19,000 to $20,200. The committee acknowledged the need for stable staffing within the Conservation Commission, emphasizing the limitations of relying solely on volunteers and consultants.

The meeting also covered the town's employee benefits, noting a 9.28% increase primarily due to rising health insurance and pension assessments. The pension assessment from Norfolk County saw an 11% increase, one of the highest in the region, driven by actuarial evaluations aimed at achieving full funding by 2032.

Overall, the Finance Committee's discussions underscored the challenges of managing the town's budget amidst fluctuating expenses and staffing needs. The committee plans to continue refining the budget in preparation for the upcoming fiscal year, ensuring that all departments are adequately funded to meet their operational requirements.