The Millis Town Meeting on May 5, 2025, sparked significant discussions around budget allocations, particularly concerning the proposed human resources department. A key highlight was the amendment to the budget that aimed to redirect funds from the newly proposed HR department to bolster the police and fire rescue departments instead.
During the meeting, concerns were raised about the town's current handling of human resources. A resident emphasized that the town's HR operations are managed by individuals lacking formal training in the field, warning that this could lead to serious issues down the line. “This is a disaster waiting to happen,” the resident stated, urging the town to reconsider its approach to HR management.
In a decisive move, the meeting attendees voted to amend the budget proposal. The amendment included removing the $189,500 allocation for the HR department and reallocating those funds to hire one new police officer and one new firefighter paramedic. The police department's salary line item was increased by $98,000, while the fire rescue department received an additional $79,000. Furthermore, the amendment proposed returning $12,500 to the town's stabilization fund.
This shift in budget priorities reflects a clear focus on enhancing public safety services over establishing a new HR department, highlighting the community's immediate concerns regarding personnel management and operational efficiency. The decision underscores the town's commitment to addressing pressing needs while navigating budget constraints.