During the recent Spring Town Meeting held on May 5, 2025, in Millis, Massachusetts, town officials made significant financial decisions aimed at bolstering the community's fiscal health and supporting essential services.
One of the key motions approved was the transfer of $40,736.55 from free cash to the Unemployment Insurance Fund. This fund is crucial as the town is self-insured, meaning it must maintain a dedicated account to cover unemployment payouts. The Finance Committee unanimously supported this motion, highlighting the importance of ensuring that funds are readily available for those in need.
Another major decision involved transferring $300,000 to the Injury Leave Indemnity Fund, which is governed by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 41, Section 111F. This fund is designated for compensating police officers and firefighters who are injured while on duty. By allocating these funds directly to the indemnity fund rather than from departmental budgets, the town aims to streamline financial management and ensure that injured personnel receive timely support. This motion also received unanimous backing from the Finance Committee.
Additionally, the town voted to allocate $50,000 to the Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) Fund. OPEB includes retiree benefits, primarily health care insurance, which municipalities are required to provide. The town's commitment to periodically contribute to this fund is seen as a prudent fiscal strategy, as it positively impacts Millis's bond rating. The Finance Committee again endorsed this motion unanimously, reflecting a collective understanding of the long-term financial obligations facing the town.
All motions passed without opposition, demonstrating a strong consensus among town officials and residents on the importance of maintaining financial stability and supporting public service personnel. These decisions are expected to enhance the town's ability to manage its obligations effectively while ensuring that essential services remain funded and operational.