The Finance Committee of Millis, Massachusetts, convened on April 30, 2025, to discuss a proposed special act aimed at providing tax relief for a select group of senior citizens in the community. The proposal sought to assist long-time residents who meet specific financial criteria, including state circuit breaker tax credit guidelines, and have lived in Millis for at least ten years.

The committee's vote on the article was notably close, resulting in a 5 to 4 decision against its approval. Those in opposition argued that granting tax exclusions to a limited group could create disparities among homeowners and potentially disadvantage others in the community. They expressed concerns about the unknown number of future beneficiaries and the financial implications for current homeowners.

Conversely, the four committee members who supported the article highlighted the potential benefits for vulnerable elderly homeowners who meet the stringent eligibility requirements, which include age, income, and asset limitations. They believed that the advantages for these seniors outweighed the costs to other residents.

During the meeting, it was noted that while up to 258 seniors could initially qualify for the relief, the actual number might be closer to 50 after applying all criteria. The committee discussed the possibility of future increases in eligible seniors as the population ages, raising concerns about the long-term financial impact on the community.

The estimated cost of the proposal, should it be approved, was projected to increase property taxes for other homeowners by approximately $7.50 to $75 annually, depending on the number of beneficiaries. The discussion also touched on the rationale behind focusing on seniors, emphasizing the challenges they face on fixed incomes amid rising taxes.

The Finance Committee's decision will now be presented to the town for further consideration, reflecting the ongoing debate about how best to support vulnerable populations while balancing the needs of the broader community.